Shoulder surgery ends Lacroix's season

VfL Wolfsburg confirmed on Monday that shoulder surgery will end defender Maxence Lacroix’s season.

After being subbed off at the half in Sunday’s 3-0 win over FSV Mainz 05, an MRI confirmed on Monday that defender Maxence Lacroix’s 2022/23 Bundesliga campaign is over. The 23-year-old will undergo shoulder surgery. VfL Wolfsburg trainer Niko Kovac – having already lost fullback Paulo Otavio to a syndesmosis tear – is now down two regular defenders ahead of a final push for European qualification with four matchdays remaining.

After losing his spot in the starting XI, Lacroix recently found his way back into Kovac’s good graces. The French talent started seven of the club’s last nine league fixtures. Lacroix’s ability to potentially transfer to another club during the coming offseason may adversely affect his chance to test the market. The defender remains under contract with Germany’s green company team through 2025.