Flora U-19s draw 2-2 with 9-man Chelsea in UEFA Youth League

Chelsea’s defensive woes deepened further as Maxence Lacroix was forced to leave the Carabao Cup clash against Liverpool due to a hamstring injury. The French centre-back appeared to sustain the injury during the first half, while chasing Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo. Lacroix limped off and later received treatment on the pitch before being replaced by Levi Colwill.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso indicated that it is too early to ascertain the full severity of the defender’s muscle problem. With Lacroix's absence, the Blues face a significant setback in their defensive lineup. The summer signing from Crystal Palace has been an integral part of the team this season, appearing in every Premier League game and both Carabao Cup matches.

Losing Lacroix exacerbates an already dire selection crisis for Alonso, who had to field Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, and Reece James as injuries sidelined them. Chelsea’s injury crisis reached new heights without Cole Palmer, who missed the tie due to suspension. The medical team will assess Lacroix’s condition over the next few days to determine a recovery timeline.

If the injury prolongs, it would leave Alonso heavily reliant on Colwill and the other defenders, given the team’s packed autumn schedule. Now, Chelsea must regroup their depleted squad and try to stay on track in the Premier League following their defeat in the Carabao Cup.