Chelsea look set to follow the Reece James blueprint when it comes to his teammate Romeo Lavia.
There are several individuals at Stamford Bridge that have suffered with multiple injuries during their Blues careers. This includes the likes of Wesley Fofana, Reece James and Romeo Lavia.
Fortunately, Chelsea captain James, 25, has got back on track with a much more productive 2025. When he’s fit and firing, he’s in the conversation for the best right-back on the planet, so sorting his fitness has been crucial.
James admitted he’s worked closely with someone to work specifically on his fitness, which has helped him to be available throughout this calendar year.
Hopefully, 21-year-old midfielder Lavia can do something similar because he’s been plagued by injuries in recent seasons.
Head coach Enzo Maresca said Chelsea are a better team with James and Lavia, but it is very rare they are on the pitch together.
Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson dribbling against Chelsea's Reece James, Romeo Lavia and Malo Gusto.
Photo by Andrew Kearns – CameraSport via Getty Images
Chelsea will take Reece James approach with Romeo Lavia
According to The Athletic, Chelsea feel their success with James’ fitness is proof their methods are paying off. Even though we’ve seen a lot of the talented defender this year, Maresca has carefully managed his minutes to bring him in and out of the XI in certain moments.
The report explains that they plan to implement something similar with Lavia because of previous injury concerns, so there will be patience with the Belgian youngster.
Lavia played 45 minutes against Nottingham Forest last weekend in the Premier League, followed by just over an hour against Ajax in the Champions League in midweek. Therefore, we wouldn’t be surprised to see him on the bench this Saturday at home to Sunderland in the league fixture.
Even though Palmer tips Lavia to become one of the world’s best midfielders, it is vital that Chelsea overcome the regular injury interruptions. If they can do it with James, then hopefully history can repeat itself.
Romeo Lavia substituted on for Reece James during Chelsea's Club World Cup match against Flamengo.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea staff member making a key difference
The Athletic’s report further explains that Bryce Kavanagh, Chelsea’s head of performance, has been at the heart of the philosophy around squad management and a focus on long-term fitness.
Apparently, Kavanagh has helped to rebuild the medical and performance structure, with people at the club holding him in high regard. It helps that Maresca has bought into the idea of regular rotation, too.
We’re confident that Chelsea can do something quite special moving forward if their key players can stay fit and be available for an extended period.