Chelsea’s new midfield addition, Romeo Lavia, had suffered an ankle injury during training on Friday. The Belgian international is yet to make his debut for the club since officially joining Stamford Bridge this summer. The 18-year-old defensive midfielder signed a seven-year contract with the Blues for a transfer fee of £58 million from Southampton.
The club have not officially announced the news to fans, as Lavia is still being monitored by their medical team to determine the extent of his injury. Lavia had been working closely with Mauricio Pochettino during the international breaks to recover his match fitness and adapt to tactical changes. However, new injury concerns have disrupted his plans and could potentially keep him sidelined for an extended period.
Romeo Lavia injury update
The Belgian midfielder has reportedly suffered a muscle tear on his ankle, though the severity of the injury is yet to be diagnosed. Usually, an ankle sprain injury takes between one to three weeks to recover which could delay Lavia’s return further. Earlier it was expected that he may return after the international break for the Bournemouth fixture on 17th September.
Chelsea fear Romeo Lavia will be sidelined for an 'extended period' after the midfielder's suspected ankle injury was assessed on Friday. 📝
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 9, 2023
Mauricio Pochettino hinted that it would take him some time to become familiar with the club and regain match fitness. In the Pre-Match conference, Pochettino stated, “He needs a few weeks to be ready to be involved with the team. He is working to catch up with his teammates. And for Romeo, we’ll have to wait a few weeks.”
Romeo Lavia joins group of Chelsea stars being injured right now
Chelsea is currently grappling with an injury crisis, with the list of sidelined players growing longer. The latest addition to this list is Romeo Lavia. Since the beginning of the season, the Blues have been plagued by injury concerns which resulted in having some of their integral players sidelined.
Previously Christopher Nkunku faced a setback with a hamstring injury, despite the French forward having a promising start during the pre-season campaign. Another player on the injury list is the club’s newly appointed captain, Reece James, who had also suffered a hamstring injury in their Premier League season opener.
Similarly, Carney Chukwuemeka suffered a knee injury and found himself sidelined. Lastly, Wesley Fofana is facing an extended absence after rupturing his ACL. However, there is some positive news as well. The Blues may see the return of Armando Broja, Benoit Badiashile, and Trevoh Chalobah, back in action after the end of the international break.
