Hamstring injury raises concerns over Lacroix’s availability

The story

Maxence Lacroix’s hamstring problem has added to Chelsea’s defensive concerns after the centre-back was forced out of the Carabao Cup tie against Liverpool. Xabi Alonso initially said further assessment would be needed, with later reporting pointing towards an absence beyond the immediate run of matches.

The injury came during an already difficult evening at Anfield. Chelsea’s cup tie finished 1–1 after 90 minutes before Liverpool won the penalty shootout, leaving the visitors with both an elimination and a fitness issue to address.

What happened at Anfield

Chelsea’s official account said Lacroix left the pitch in discomfort near the end of the first half, with Levi Colwill replacing him. Alonso confirmed afterwards that the defender had felt something in his hamstring and that the club needed time to establish the extent of the injury.

That assessment was separate from the substitutions involving Moisés Caicedo and Malo Gusto. The manager described minor problems for Caicedo and cramp for Gusto, expressing hope that neither would face a longer interruption.

Separating those cases matters for Chelsea’s planning. Several players leaving a demanding match does not automatically mean several comparable injuries. Lacroix’s early withdrawal created the more substantial question over the next defensive selection.

A changing defensive plan

By Friday, reports covering Alonso’s update indicated that Lacroix was not expected back before the November international break. Other coverage suggested a potentially longer absence, making the timing of further club assessments important.

An interruption at centre-back affects more than one name on a team sheet. Partnerships rely on repeated decisions about positioning, covering space and stepping out to challenge. Replacing a regular defender asks the remaining players to rebuild some of that understanding during matches.

For Chelsea, the practical response is to prepare a combination that can remain organised while the injured player recovers. Colwill’s introduction at Anfield showed the immediate solution on the night; the next selections would determine the longer response.

The focus turns to recovery and continuity

The injury was an unwelcome addition to a cup exit decided by penalties. Morgan Rogers and Cody Gakpo had both scored from the spot during normal time, and the teams could not be separated before the shootout.

Chelsea now have to move from that disappointment into the next phase of the season with an adjusted defensive plan. Lacroix’s recovery timetable will shape when he can rejoin it, while the players available must provide the continuity in the meantime.

The immediate priority is a stable defence and a carefully managed return, rather than rushing a centre-back back into a position where repeated acceleration and recovery running are unavoidable.