Chelsea has suffered another injury setback after midfielder Romeo Lavia was ruled out for at least one month following a quad injury sustained during the club’s UEFA Conference League victory over Qarabag.
The 20-year-old Belgian was making just his second appearance since returning from a long-term ankle problem that had kept him sidelined for most of the season. However, his comeback was cut short after he felt discomfort in his thigh midway through the first half and had to be substituted.
Initial scans have now confirmed a grade-two quad strain, meaning Lavia will be out of action until mid-December at the earliest. The news comes as a huge blow to manager Enzo Maresca, who had praised the young midfielder’s composure and control in recent training sessions.
Lavia’s absence further stretches Chelsea’s midfield options, with Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo already managing fitness concerns, while Conor Gallagher has been carrying a minor knock.
Chelsea’s medical staff are reportedly drawing up a tailored rehabilitation plan aimed at ensuring Lavia’s full recovery before the new year. The club remains hopeful that the Belgian can return to full training ahead of the busy festive fixture schedule.
Lavia joined Chelsea from Southampton last summer in a £58 million deal but has endured a frustrating start to life at Stamford Bridge, making only a handful of appearances due to persistent injuries.
With key fixtures against Tottenham, Manchester United, and Aston Villa on the horizon, Maresca will be hoping for no further fitness setbacks as he navigates through a crucial phase of the season.
