Chelsea have again been affected by injuries as much as any Premier League club this season, with their lengthy 2024/25 season likely playing a part.
Their presence in the Club World Cup saw them have a very limited post-season break, and this was an issue for Levi Colwill, who picked up a serious knee injury at the start of pre-season.
Cole Palmer is another who has seen their season plagued by fitness woes. Palmer was again not in the squad as Chelsea beat Crystal Palace 3-1 at Selhurst Park.
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As has been the case throughout his Blues career, Romeo Lavia has endured a rough campaign. It has been 18 games since the Belgian was in the squad following an injury sustained against Qarabag.
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Romeo Lavia spotted in Chelsea training
The layoff was far longer than expected, although excitement began to grow when Lavia gave a positive social media update regarding his condition.
Things seem to have taken a step up since then too. In pictures on the club’s 5th Stand App, Lavia can be seen on the exercise bikes alongside Estevao Willian and some of the players who featured against Palace.
Liam Rosenior has three quality midfield options, although they all started on Sunday. There was very little rotation possible for Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Andrey Santos.
Having the former Southampton man fit again will be a massive boost, however Rosenior will be wanting him available on a consistent basis.
Chelsea midfielders Romeo Lavia, Moises Caicedo and Andrey Santos holding Club World Cup trophy
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Chelsea’s battle to save Lavia’s career
Lavia is yet to complete 90 minutes since making his move to Chelsea, and has potentially been pushed back quicker than he is ready for in the past.
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Rosenior has already stated he will ease Lavia back into action, with him well aware of the quality he possesses when available.
There have been Chelsea fans giving up on Lavia already, with other midfield candidates being mentioned ahead of the summer transfer window.
With Dario Essugo struggling badly with injuries too, there is pressure on the boss to bring them both back fit and firing to help Chelsea in the final part of the 2025/26 season.
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