Enzo Maresca’s squad selection was again called into question at the end of Chelsea’s defeat to Sunderland at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues fell to a 2-1 defeat to the recently promoted side in the Premier League, putting an end to their four match unbeaten run in all competitions.
Chelsea fans were not happy with the early substitution of Alejandro Garnacho, with him being replaced just after half-time despite scoring his first goal for the club.
Maresca decided to name a strong starting side despite the absence of Cole Palmer and Liam Delap in attack, however one clear absentee was Romeo Lavia from the midfield.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca shouts on the touchline during the Premier League match against Sunderland at Stamford Bridge.
Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images
Enzo Maresca cannot continue to ignore Romeo Lavia for Chelsea
Chelsea have hardly been able to name the Belgian in their starting side in recent seasons due to his ongoing injury concerns, however he is currently available for action.
Despite this, Lavia remained an unused substitute during defeat to Sunderland, a game where the Blues struggled to dominate the midfield battle.
Chelsea are being cautious with Lavia’s fitness after reaping the rewards of protecting Reece James since his return in January, however are already doing so in terms of the minutes when he actually does play.
The young midfielder has not completed 90 minutes since he joined the club, however his impact when he has featured is clear to see.
Romeo Lavia warms up during Chelsea vs Ajax
Photo by Vince Mignott/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
Enzo Fernandez can play further forward with Lavia starting
Jason Cundy has already pointed out how strong the Moises Caicedo and Lavia partnership is, and the pair looked brilliant together when they featured against Liverpool.
Without Palmer, the Blues’ best bet in playing in the advanced central role is Enzo Fernandez. The World Cup winner has 31 combined goals and assists since the start of last season.
This would see Joao Pedro remain in the striker position where he has not been delivering of late. However, Pedro wasted his chance to impress in the number 10 role in the defeat to Sunderland.
Chelsea will not be able to welcome Palmer back into the fray for a number of weeks, and Maresca should be replacing his creativity with Fernandez, allowing Lavia the chance to become a regular in the side alongside Caicedo.