Chelsea fans have long waited for the return of Romeo Lavia from injury. Probably, the return of the midfielder might be sooner than expected. Lavia, however, who Chelsea signed from Southampton last year for £53 million, has been out for long with a hamstring injury. His loss was sorely felt because of the number of injuries Chelsea have encountered this season. However, recent whispers from both Lavia and Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca seem to suggest that his return is soon.
Lavia’s Hamstring Injury
Lavia made a promising statement in the pre-season and started the opening match of the 2024/25 Premier League against Manchester City. Unfortunately, he picked up a hamstring in late August and then missed a lot of action. Maresca reduced the seriousness of the injury, saying it is “nothing serious”, and expected him to return before Chelsea’s clashes with Bournemouth. He did not make it fit for this match.
Even without Lavia, Chelsea somehow got that win for the match against Bournemouth, with Christopher Nkunku scoring the win. With several senior midfielders out with injuries, getting him back would greatly help the team. Maresca was certainly frustrated by the latest curse of injuries but was hopeful that Lavia would recover. Maresca said ahead of the West Ham game, “Romeo looks very close. Hopefully for the next game.” But still, no appearance in that game as well for Lavia.
Social Media Post Teases Lavia’s Comeback
It was a dream come true at Chelsea when a post surfaced on the story of Lavia on Instagram a few hours ago. The Belgian midfielder posted a picture of himself back at Cobham, but this time with a timer emoji to suggest that Lavia will soon return. This slight update does not guarantee a return to the field anytime soon, but it means Lavia is on his way back to full fitness.
The talent possessed by Lavia allows him to command the midfield singlehandedly. He can break any opposition’s attack and open the play for his side within a blink of an eye. His return is a huge boost for Chelsea, not only mentally but strategically as well. With him making his way back, it gives Chelsea much-needed depth in the midfield. And this would allow Maresca to work on a different tactical approach as well.
A Much-Needed Boost For Chelsea
Lavia’s return comes at a very important time for Chelsea, who are without some of their high-profile players. Senior midfielders are out, and Maresca has managed with a makeshift midfield through the injury crisis. In his last few games, he actually tested Renato Veiga in midfield, a bit of an unusual move. And still, he finds a way to win. The last match was another notable win, only that Moises Caicedo was doing his job pretty well. And helped Chelsea secure a 3-0 win over West Ham.
Chelsea’s midfield would be soaring the skies with the return of Romeo Lavia. But Lavia isn’t the only one returning. As there are reports that suggest that Malo Gusto could also be back before the next game. This added depth to the Chelsea squad can allow Maresca to come up with different tactics as the game demands. With quality players on the bench for Chelsea, they can turn around the entire game towards them with just a few key rotations. With so many positive boosts, fans would be hoping Chelsea to deliver at stages when it will matter the most.
Carabao Cup Set To Witness Lavia’s Comeback?
Lavia could well find a place in the Chelsea side for the Carabao Cup match against Barrow on September 24th. He might not be ready to start, but he can definitely come off the bench at least for some minutes. Given that he has been out of action for so long, he is not going to be given full-time, but every minute counts towards regaining fitness.
This season gives Chelsea a chance to make it through the Carabao Cup. And Lavia is going to make a difference in their campaign. Returning him will not only boost the midfield but also give Maresca more flexibility as he deals with a packed fixture list.
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