Twelfth setback for Chelsea-zorgenkind Roméo Lavia raises doubts

Vandaag, De 22‑year‑old Belgische midfielder Roméo Lavia, dubbed the Chelsea‑zorgenkind, suffered his Twaalfde injury since joining the Londen club, marking yet another spell on the sidelines again for the player who has missed over a hundred games for The Blues.

Manager Xabi Alonso said the injury appears less serious this time. “Hij voelde iets, maar niets ernstigs,” he explained after the training session. He added that the club expects Lavia to be fit for Saturday’s clash with Tottenham, hopeful but not guaranteed.

Lavia was absent from the victorious friendly against Sydney Wanderers, which ended 6‑4 in Chelsea’s favour. The midfielder felt something during the match, but the coaching staff deemed it non‑serious.

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Since arriving in Londen, the 22‑year‑old has missed 101 matches through injury, while only featuring in 43 games for The Blues. The tally makes this his Twaalfde injury spell.

The Belgian joined Chelsea in the summer of 2023, with the London side paying more than €60 million to Southampton for his services. The hefty fee has yet to be justified on the pitch.

This latest setback adds further uncertainty to Lavia’s development at the club, as the Chelsea‑zorgenkind continues to struggle for consistent playing time.