Romeo Lavia’s highly anticipated debut for Chelsea continues to be postponed due to a persistent ankle injury that has plagued the 19-year-old midfielder since his transfer from Southampton late in the summer transfer window. Despite showing promising signs of recovery, Lavia remains sidelined, and his return date is uncertain. According to reports from the Mail Online, he is not expected to make his Chelsea debut until late November, though some view this as an optimistic estimate, with December being a more realistic target.
Lavia’s journey to recovery took a positive turn when he was able to remove his protective boot and begin rehabilitation at the Cobham training ground last week. However, the Chelsea coaching staff is exercising caution and avoiding any rush to bring him back prematurely.
Pochettino’s Perspective on Lavia’s Prolonged Absence
Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea’s manager, offered insight into Lavia’s situation following the team’s recent win over Burnley before the international break. He indicated that the young midfielder still faces an extended period on the sidelines, emphasizing that Lavia is not yet running and would not be returning after the international break.
In September, Pochettino spoke about Lavia’s promising training progress before the ankle injury. He expressed disappointment and concern over the setback, explaining, “We are really disappointed because he was training really well last week in the international break. He twisted his ankle, and now we are waiting for Monday for the assessment from the doctor. Hopefully, it’s not a big issue, but in the last week, he has not been training with the team. It’s a sad situation because he was nearly fit to be involved again with the team.”
Impact of Lavia’s Delayed Return on Upcoming Chelsea Fixtures
The extended absence of Romeo Lavia poses a challenge for Chelsea, with several crucial fixtures scheduled in November. On November 6, the Blues are set to face Tottenham, followed by a showdown with Manchester City a week later. Subsequently, on November 25, Chelsea will take on Newcastle United at St James’ Park, followed by an away match against Brighton. Just days later, on December 6, they will confront Manchester United in another important match. The hope within the Chelsea camp is to have Lavia back in action to bolster the team during this demanding series of fixtures.
