Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia is edging closer to a full comeback after a challenging start to the season, as he prepares to feature for the club’s U21 side in Premier League 2 against Leeds United at Cobham on Friday.
The 22-year-old Belgian international has struggled with a series of injuries and fitness setbacks, limiting him to just seven appearances across all competitions this season.
Since the start of the season, Lavia has been sidelined for 32 matches across all competitions due to various injuries and fitness problems.
According to [The Athletic](https://x.com/i/status/2024789004550340896), Lavia will make his first competitive appearance in over three months when he takes part in the development squad fixture against Leeds.
Lavia joined Chelsea from Southampton in the summer of 2023 for a reported fee of £53 million, plus £5 million in potential add-ons.
However, his time at Stamford Bridge has been hampered by injuries, restricting him to just 30 appearances across all competitions in the past two-and-a-half years.
Notably, the talented midfielder is yet to complete a full 90 minutes for the club since his arrival.
The development squad outing offers Lavia an opportunity to regain confidence, fitness, and rhythm ahead of a potential reintegration into Chelsea’s first-team plans.