Chelsea were held to a 2-2 draw by Qarabag in the Champions League group stages by Qarabag, however the biggest story for the Blues came just minutes into the game.
Romeo Lavia was handed a start in a much-changed Chelsea side for the trip to Azerbaijan, however his time on the pitch lasted just eight minutes after he was forced off with an apparent thigh injury.
The concern on the Belgian’s face when he was replaced was an unfortunately common sight for Chelsea fans since his move to Stamford Bridge. He is yet to complete 90 minutes for the Blues.
Romeo Lavia had to be substituted off due to injury after just 8 minutes 😳
The injury worries continue for the Belgian 🤕 pic.twitter.com/pZ74WPiBrD
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 5, 2025
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Enzo Maresca has tried to protect Lavia, however will surely be having second thoughts over whether he can rely on the young midfielder in the long-term.
This is the point that Chelsea fans have been discussing after the game, and they took to X to voice their concerns over whether they can continue to build a side that includes Lavia as a key player.
FBL-EUR-C1-QARABAG-CHELSEA
Photo by TOFIK BABAYEV/AFP via Getty Images
Chelsea fans call for ‘harsh’ conversations about Romeo Lavia after early Champions League injury
One user said: “Availability is the best ability. From a sporting perspective Lavia’s use in the squad is almost zero.”
Another added: “It’s harsh on Lavia but I think we need to have conversations about replacing him. He’s simply the least reliable player we’ve ever had. Such a shame.”
A third stated: “That’s Lavia out probably for a months smh. Bored of it mate.”
Another user claimed: “Just sad, sad stuff that Roméo Lavia is dealing with. That’s all I can say.
Finally, one user said: “Lavia is just cursed at this point it’s so sad.”
Reece James is perfect role model for Lavia
While it is all doom and gloom for Lavia at the moment, the midfielder can take solace in the fact that his side’s captain has gone through a very similar
Now though, Reece James has remained fit since January and played another 90 minutes against Qarabag as he continued to show his fitness.
Maresca has made a real conscious effort to protect the England international, including limiting his responsibilities and even playing him in the middle of the park.
Lavia will have to stay motivated that this is a possibility for him too, however it is clear as to why Chelsea fans are so concerned about his future.