The games Maxence Lacroix could miss after brutal injury update

Chelsea's injury problems have taken another hit, with Maxence Lacroix facing the possibility of spending the remainder of 2026 on the sidelines.

The French defender only arrived at Stamford Bridge during the summer, and although he has faced some criticism, he has become an important part of Xabi Alonso's plans.

Losing him for several weeks would be a blow, particularly with Chelsea approaching a tough run of fixtures.

And while Alonso has been reluctant to put an exact timeframe on his recovery, the latest reports are concerning.

Maxence Lacroix injury update is bad news for Chelsea

According to BBC Sport, Chelsea fear Lacroix could be sidelined until January after suffering a serious hamstring injury against Liverpool in Wednesday night's Carabao Cup tie.

The 26-year-old pulled up towards the end of the first half while attempting to block a shot, eventually being replaced by Levi Colwill.

Multiple sources at the club reportedly believe Lacroix could miss up to 10 matches, although Chelsea have yet to confirm such a lengthy absence.

"Max, he picked up an injury, and we expect that he's not going to be ready before the international break. So he will be a few weeks out," the Chelsea manager explained ahead of Manchester United.

That is hardly ideal news for a player who has started 10 of Chelsea's 11 matches across all competitions this season. Only Morgan Rogers has played more minutes for the Blues.

The games Lacroix could miss

If the worst-case scenario becomes reality, Lacroix could miss a substantial chunk of Chelsea's campaign.

His first absence will come against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, before the Blues travel to Sunderland on November 8.

Chelsea then face Leeds United at home on November 21, followed by a trip to Nottingham Forest a week later.

December could prove particularly difficult without the Frenchman, with Crystal Palace, Liverpool and Manchester City all awaiting Alonso's side in the space of 10 days.

The fixtures don't get much easier after that, either. Aston Villa visit Stamford Bridge before Chelsea travel to Coventry City and Ipswich Town during the festive period.

That is potentially 10 matches without a defender who has become one of Alonso's most trusted options.

There is some hope that Wesley Fofana can turn his form around, having had a shocker against Liverpool including missing his penalty in the shootout.

Levi Colwill and Josh Acheampong are other options as Jorrel Hato and Aaron Anselmino continue to be ruled out.

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