France Face Defensive Concern as Maxence Lacroix Limps Off Before Italy Clash
France’s preparations for the upcoming international break have been unsettled by an injury to defender Maxence Lacroix, who was forced off during Chelsea’s EFL Cup meeting with Liverpool. The 26-year-old left the pitch with discomfort in his left thigh, raising questions over whether he will be fit for Les Bleus’ UEFA Nations League fixtures against Italy and Turkey.
The timing is significant for France coach Zinedine Zidane, who is expected to announce his squad on 6 November. France are scheduled to visit Italy at the San Siro on 12 November before facing Turkey in Bordeaux three days later. Lacroix’s availability could influence Zidane’s defensive selection, particularly after the defender featured regularly during the team’s previous international window.
How Lacroix’s Injury Happened
Lacroix started at the centre of Chelsea’s defence alongside fellow Frenchman Wesley Fofana in the last-16 EFL Cup tie against Liverpool. He appeared to experience pain in the back of his left thigh during a Liverpool counter-attack, slowing sharply after planting his left leg. The defender then signalled that he could not continue and was replaced by Levi Colwill before half-time.
The match was level at 1-1 when Lacroix went off. Morgan Rogers and Cody Gakpo had each scored from the penalty spot, and the tie was ultimately decided by a shootout, which Liverpool won. While the result settled Chelsea’s cup campaign, the immediate concern for the club and France is the extent of Lacroix’s injury.
At this stage, no definitive recovery timeline has been established. A muscle problem can range from minor tightness to a more serious strain, and the difference may determine whether Lacroix is available for club football in the coming weeks or must miss a longer stretch. Medical assessment and the defender’s response to treatment will be central to any decision.
A Key Player for Chelsea and a Useful Option for France
Lacroix has become an important part of Chelsea’s plans this season, starting 10 of the team’s 11 matches. His regular involvement reflects the trust placed in him and the value of having a defender capable of handling demanding fixtures at the heart of the back line. Losing him, even temporarily, would leave Chelsea needing to adjust their defensive combinations.
His recent role with France also makes the injury especially relevant. Lacroix played in all four matches during Zidane’s first international break in charge, starting three times. He was used alongside several defensive partners, including Dayot Upamecano, Jérémy Jacquet and Loïc Badé, giving the coaching staff another option as they assess the best balance for upcoming games.
For France, the concern is not simply whether one player can make the squad. International football offers limited preparation time, so familiarity and continuity across the defence can be valuable. If Lacroix is unavailable, Zidane may need to rely on an alternative pairing or adjust his selection to maintain both defensive stability and flexibility against two different opponents.
France’s Football Prediction Picture Changes with Selection Doubts
Injury news can quickly shape the football prediction conversation around a major international fixture. France’s match with Italy is likely to be closely watched, with both teams bringing strong defensive traditions and considerable attacking quality. Lacroix’s status may affect expectations about France’s defensive depth, though it would be premature to draw firm conclusions before medical updates and the final squad announcement.
France will also need to prepare for the different challenges posed by Italy and Turkey. The San Siro encounter is expected to test the visitors’ organisation under pressure, while the later match in Bordeaux gives Zidane a chance to assess his squad in a different setting. A fit Lacroix would add another established option; if he misses out, France’s alternatives will come under closer scrutiny.
Supporters should treat any early prediction about the line-up with caution. Coaches often wait for a clearer picture of a player’s recovery before making a final call, and a late fitness test can influence both squad selection and match preparation. The severity of Lacroix’s thigh issue remains the most important detail to emerge.
Dembélé Injury Adds to Zidane’s Selection Concerns
Lacroix is not the only France international whose condition is attracting attention. Ousmane Dembélé, the Paris Saint-Germain forward and 2025 Ballon d’Or winner, has also been reported as a fitness doubt after limping off during PSG’s Champions League match against Barcelona.
Dembélé suffered an injury to his left thigh muscle, with an estimated absence of around three weeks. That projected recovery period could overlap with the international break, placing his involvement against Italy and Turkey in doubt. As with Lacroix, the final decision will depend on his progress and whether he can return without undue risk.
The potential absence of two prominent players would give Zidane important decisions to make across different areas of the pitch. Dembélé’s pace and creativity can change the shape of France’s attack, while Lacroix offers depth and competition in defence. Their availability could therefore affect the coach’s tactical choices as well as the balance of the squad.
What Happens Next?
The next few days should provide a clearer indication of Lacroix’s condition. Further assessment will establish whether the problem is a minor setback or an injury that requires a longer recovery. Chelsea will be monitoring his progress, while France’s staff will be watching closely ahead of the squad announcement on 6 November.
For now, France’s preparations remain uncertain rather than derailed. Zidane has several defensive options to consider, but the loss of an in-form player would reduce his choices ahead of two demanding Nations League fixtures. The same applies to Dembélé, whose recovery could become one of the defining selection stories before the break.
Until official updates arrive, supporters and football prediction followers will be waiting for confirmation on both players. Lacroix’s fitness, in particular, will determine whether he can continue his promising international involvement or whether France must reshape its plans for the meetings with Italy and Turkey.
