Overview
- Maxence Lacroix pulled up clutching the back of his left thigh and was substituted in the first half of the Carabao Cup tie at Anfield, a problem first reported during Wednesday’s match.
- Xabi Alonso said it is “too early to tell” and that Chelsea’s medical team need a couple of days to complete scans and assess the severity of the muscle issue.
- The injury worsens an already stretched Chelsea squad that is missing Joao Pedro, Emi Martinez, Reece James and Jamie Gittens, forcing Alonso to rely on Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana and makeshift options.
- French outlet RMC and other reports say Lacroix’s fitness could affect Zinedine Zidane’s squad selection for Nations League matches on November 12 and 15, but any international decision will await medical confirmation.
- If scans confirm a multi-week hamstring layoff, Chelsea face short-term tactical reshuffles and increased playing time for backup centre-backs, and Lacroix risks missing fixtures that matter for both club form and his international place.