Chelsea’s Maxence Lacroix Out Until After International Break, Alonso Confirms

Sign InSportsChelsea's Maxence Lacroix Out Until After International Break, Alonso ConfirmsBy John Mutiso · October 30, 2026 · 2 min readSponsored AdChelsea’s Maxence Lacroix will be sidelined until after the international break following his hamstring injury.

The France defender, 26, was forced off against Liverpool on Wednesday night and, following assessment, is facing weeks on the sideline.

Xabi Alonso will also be without Jorrel Hato when the Blues face Manchester United on Saturday afternoon, with the Dutchman unable to recover from a back injury in time.

Moises Caicedo is fit to face the Red Devils having started at Anfield, while Pep Chavarria is also available for selection.

Chelsea face Sunderland next weekend before players head of with their national sides.

Asked about Lacroix, Alonso said: “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.

“No, no issue [with Caicedo]. He’s okay for tomorrow.

“Jorrel, no. But Pep Chavarria is back in the squad, yes.”

There was however a boost in goal, with Alonso hopeful Emiliano Martinez could be back in the side before the international break.

Martinez has been absent since suffering a fractured jaw at Everton but could return against Sunderland with a face mask.

Alonso added: “Yes, there is a chance. We need to still wait for next week, but let’s see how things go. But there is a chance.

“In case he’s ready to play, he will need a face mask probably.”

Alonso has also ruled out a January exit for Estevao Willian despite the Chelsea starlet being on the fringes.

Estevao, signed for £29million from Palmeiras in 2025, is yet to start a Premier League game since Alonso’s arrival at Stamford Bridge.

The teenager, who shone at times under Enzo Maresca last term with goals against Barcelona and Liverpool, was overlooked as an option off the bench at Liverpool as Chelsea were knocked out of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

Alonso insists the winger, who is thought to be frustrated by lack of opportunities under the Spaniard, will get his chance.

Asked whether a January loan had been considered, he said: “No, no discussions about that.

“He will play. The season is long and there will be moments for everyone. It’s a process for the team, for Este, for myself, but I’m sure that in the season he will have his games, his minutes.

“We are still early in the season, but he will be there.

“It’s not about attitude. It’s been about the context of games, it’s been about the start of the season, and he’s a great guy. He really wants his adaptation after the first year of injury, but we are still in October and he will be important.”