Maxence Lacroix injury leaves France squad facing fresh uncertainty

Maxence Lacroix’s injury has raised concerns for France manager Zinedine Zidane after the Chelsea defender was forced off during Wednesday’s League Cup defeat by Liverpool.

Lacroix started at centre-back alongside fellow France international Wesley Fofana in the last-16 tie, but was substituted before half-time after feeling pain in the back of his left thigh. Levi Colwill replaced him as Chelsea and Liverpool were level at 1-1.

The 26-year-old appeared to slow suddenly during a Liverpool counter-attack after placing weight on his left leg. He then signalled that he could not continue.

Morgan Rogers had put Chelsea ahead from the penalty spot before Cody Gakpo equalised with a penalty for Liverpool. Liverpool went on to win the tie in a shootout.

Lacroix faces race against time

The timing of the injury is particularly significant for Lacroix, who has established himself as a regular starter for Chelsea this season. He has been named in the starting line-up for 10 of the club’s 11 matches.

The defender’s condition could affect his availability for France’s next squad, which Zidane is due to announce on 6 November, according to French outlet RMC.

France are scheduled to face Italy at San Siro on 12 November before playing Turkey in Bordeaux on 15 November, with both matches part of the Nations League.

Lacroix featured in all four matches played by France during Zidane’s first international break in charge and started three of them. He was selected alongside Dayot Upamecano, Jeremy Jacquet and Leny Yoro during that period.

The length of Lacroix’s absence is not yet known. Further assessment will be required to establish the exact nature and seriousness of the injury before his prospects of joining the France squad can be determined.

Doubt also surrounds Ousmane Dembele

Zidane is already dealing with another fitness concern involving Ousmane Dembele, the Paris Saint-Germain forward and 2025 Ballon d’Or winner.

Dembele was substituted before the end of Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League match against Barcelona after suffering a left-thigh injury. He is expected to be unavailable for three weeks.

That recovery period could overlap with the international break, leaving Dembele’s involvement against Italy and Turkey uncertain.

The injuries to Lacroix and Dembele therefore give Zidane two selection issues to resolve before he names his next France squad on 6 November.