Roméo Lavia, in form at Chelsea, finally targets Belgium's Red Devils
On the turf of Stamford Bridge, Roméo Lavia has taken back the XI in Chelsea's last four matches, and is about to surpass the longest injury‑free run since his arrival at the Blues in 2023, a crucial benchmark for the 22‑year‑old defensive midfielder.
A wounded past, a reassuring present
In his first season at Chelsea, Lavia played only one match. He then missed more than thirty games during his second and third years, before enjoying an encouraging spell between March and April 2026. That momentum, however, faded at the end of the season.
Since the league restart, he has started in the first four Premier League fixtures. This run puts him on the verge of recording his longest stretch without a physical problem at Chelsea, estimated at just over 500 minutes of play, pre‑season matches included. The player appears to be regaining a rare consistency.
Renewed confidence
A different approach has allowed Lavia to flourish, as he said in an interview with the BBC. “So much is happening behind the scenes,” he asserted, highlighting the importance of a pre‑match checklist routine. He now has a list of items to tick off to ensure the best conditions.
The 22‑year‑old midfielder now wants to erase the “mental block” left by his recurring injuries, a goal shared with the Red Devils, the nickname of the Belgian side. “I’ve learned that you can always go further than you think, and that you can always push your limits when it feels like everything is against you,” he explained. This mindset could make him indispensable for the national team.
“It’s easy to tell yourself you’ll give up, or that it will never work. But thanks to my teammates, the staff and everyone at the club, as well as my loved ones outside football, we have been able to create a bubble that allows me to focus solely on what I can control,” he added, recalling the support surrounding him.
Chelsea had spent over €60 million on Southampton in 2023 to secure Lavia’s services, an investment that finally appears to be paying off. His recent performances could be rewarded with a place in Mark Van Bommel’s first‑team squad, which will be announced this Friday. The anticipation of the squad list is already generating strong expectations among Belgian supporters.
The suspense surrounding the squad adds to the excitement of the live Brentford – Chelsea match, broadcast on .be at 21:00 on 18 September. For Lavia, every minute on the pitch represents a chance to cement his status and help the Red Devils regain their sparkle. His journey illustrates the resilience needed to overcome physical and mental obstacles.