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Latest update claims Chelsea could be sweating over the fitness of key player

There was noticeable concern about Romeo Lavia as he went straight the down the tunnel after being substituted against Arsenal according to reports.

The Blues battled to a hard fought point against the Gunners and moved into third place heading into the international break.

Gabriel Martinelli gave the Gunners the lead, whilst Chelsea hit back through a great effort from Pedro Neto, but they were unable to find a winner as the game finished 1-1.

Lavia to be monitored over the international break

The big team news before the game was Cole Palmer starting and Reece James being named among the substitutes.

That meant Lavia continued in midfield alongside Moises Caicedo, and he recently explained the pair have had a very good connection from, day one. 

The 20-year-old didn’t have his best game and lost the ball to Matin Odegaard in the build-up to Arsenal’s goal, and worryingly went down shortly before he was taken off.

Journalist Rahman Osman reported that Lavia went straight down the tunnel and there was noticeable concern as the midfielder appeared to be struggling before the change.

Enzo Maresca gives a message to Romeo Lavia. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
Maresca gives a message to Lavia. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)

Osman added that Lavia will likely be monitored over the international break, although it remains to be seen if he will pull out of the Belgium squad for the upcoming Nations League matches.

Lavia has been plagued by injury problems following his move from Southampton in 2023 and only played 32 minutes under Mauricio Pochettino last season.

The midfielder has already missed a few games this season with a hamstring issue and recently returned to the starting line-up for last month’s defeat against Liverpool.

Despite Lavia impressing this season he admitted recently that his performances can go up a level, which is worrying for the opposition but brilliant for Chelsea fans.

Lavia has got so much potential and is currently keeping World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez out of the side, and if he can stay fit he will play a key role for the Blues this season as they look to win silverware and return to the Champions League.

Tags Romeo Lavia
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