According to a report by Metro on Saturday October 31, 2026, Chelsea have suffered a significant injury setback, with defender Maxence Lacroix reportedly facing an extended spell on the sidelines after sustaining a serious hamstring injury during Wednesday’s Carabao Cup defeat against Liverpool.

The French centre-back was forced off shortly before half-time at Anfield after pulling up while attempting to track Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo. He immediately signalled towards the Chelsea bench, prompting concerns about the severity of his condition.

Lacroix was already expected to miss Chelsea’s Premier League meeting with Manchester United and their subsequent fixture against Sunderland. Manager Xabi Alonso confirmed the defender would remain unavailable until after the November international break.

Speaking during Friday’s press conference, Alonso explained that Lacroix had suffered an injury requiring several weeks of recovery. However, subsequent reports suggest the situation could prove considerably worse than initially anticipated.

According to talkSPORT, the former Crystal Palace defender has sustained a grade-three hamstring tear, one of the most serious forms of muscle injury. Recovery from such damage can typically require between eight and twelve weeks.

Chelsea are reportedly concerned that Lacroix might not return until after Christmas, potentially leaving the defender unavailable until the beginning of the New Year. Such an extended absence would represent a considerable setback for Alonso.

The projected recovery period could force Lacroix to miss approximately ten matches, including important Premier League encounters against Liverpool and Manchester City during December. His absence would significantly affect Chelsea’s defensive options during a demanding period.

Lacroix has established himself as a crucial member of Alonso’s starting lineup since arriving from Crystal Palace during the summer transfer window. The centre-back has completed 90 minutes in seven of Chelsea’s opening eight league matches.

His impressive involvement has also seen him accumulate more playing time than any other Chelsea player this season, highlighting his importance to the manager’s defensive structure and consistency.

Chelsea must also contend with additional injury concerns involving Joao Pedro, who faces several weeks out following a thigh problem. Meanwhile, Reece James continues recovering from minor knee surgery, further complicating Alonso’s selection decisions.