Maxence Lacroix's injury may force Chelsea to call on a centre-back who fans don't want to see
Maxence Lacroix is the latest Chelsea player to face a spell on the sidelines, with the French defender set to miss several games after picking up a hamstring injury against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup.
Since arriving from Crystal Palace after the World Cup, Lacroix has quickly established himself as a key figure in Chelsea's defence. Signed to strengthen the heart of the back line, he wasted little time making the centre-back position his own, with his early-season performances giving him a clear advantage over his teammates in the battle for a starting spot.
His injury is certainly a blow, but the good news is that it's not expected to be long with him likely to be ready in December or just after. Nevertheless, Chelsea will have to call on Wesley Fofana against Manchester United on Saturday.
Wesley Fofana is not receiving the love from the Chelsea fans (and rightly so)
When Fofana stepped up as the next Chelsea player to take a penalty against Liverpool, many supporters probably felt the shootout was already over. There is a growing perception that the Frenchman lacks the seriousness, pride and professionalism expected of a central defender, and I half expected him to laugh it off and flash a smile after missing.
His reaction to almost catching the ball in the box for their penalty was not a scene of devastation, or shame, it was then the same Fofana behaviour we come to expect. Mr Nonchalant was in full force demonstrating that careless and reckless spirit fans have come to know him for.
Of course, Fofana’s reaction after the exit was to hold up his hands and apologise, but I would have loved to see how he felt in the hours that followed. How quickly did the sorrow and disappointment disappear once there were no fans or the cameras around to capture it?
A harsh take on a Chelsea defender still, but it is only the opinion that has been conveyed among a large section of the faithful.
When Chelsea signed Fofana, he was regarded as one of the most promising young centre-backs in the country. However, the injuries have played a big part in his demise after the knee injury almost clipping him of the pace and talent that we saw in small glimpses.
Signed as a raw young centre-back, fans expected him to develop his understanding of the game, improve his positioning and embrace Chelsea’s winning mentality, along with the real grit and aggression that made John Terry, William Gallas and Thiago Silva legends among the Stamford Bridge faithful.
Unfortunately, the patience has run out. Chelsea fans now want him out, and even a string of excellent performances filling in for Lacroix may not be enough to change the opinion many have already formed of him.
