FOOTBALL
Posted on February 20, 2026 11:00 pm | Updated on February 20, 2026 11:29 pm
Romeo Lavia returns for Chelsea Under-21s and it feels bigger than just a youth fixture on a quiet Friday afternoon. For supporters, this was about hope and patience finally paying off. After months of frustration about the injury, the young midfielder is back on the pitch.
Romeo Lavia Impresses With Calm And Control On Comeback
Romeo Lavia recently stepped out at the training ground to start for Chelsea’s Under-21s against Leeds. The 22-year-old hasn’t played a game since picking up an injury away to Qarabag in early November during Champions League action. It was another big blow that has tested both his body and belief.
Since arriving from Southampton for £54 million in 2023, his time at Stamford Bridge has been repeatedly disrupted. He has managed only 30 appearances in two and a half years. He has missed 98 games across 603 days. Even more frustrating, he has yet to complete a full 90 minutes for the club. That said, those numbers tell a tough story.
On Friday, he looked composed as he kept the ball moving. He never rushed possession and did not give it away cheaply as well. While he was not heavily involved in attacking moves, he brought stability to the midfield. His young teammates trusted him under pressure and repeatedly fed him the ball in tight spaces.
However, there was a worrying moment in the game. Leeds midfielder Ollie Pickles threw in a reckless challenge that left Lavia on the turf. For a second, the ground went silent. Thankfully, he got back up and continued until he was substituted at half-time with the Blues leading 1-0. It was a sensible decision and part of a bigger recovery picture.
Liam Rosenior’s Tactical Plan For Lavia
Head coach Liam Rosenior has handled Lavia’s recovery with caution. He recently confirmed the midfielder has been back in training for weeks, following a detailed plan designed to ensure his proper return. The Premier League giants cannot afford another setback at this point.
The manager has refused to reveal when the Belgian star will be fully available for first-team selection. That silence has raised plenty of doubts amongst the fans. The focus right now is rhythm, confidence, and minutes. This will surely help him regain his confidence on the field.
Under the previous management, central midfield roles were handled differently. But, Rosenior appears to use his midfielders with more flexibility. Against Leeds, Lavia often dropped deeper and almost formed a back three during build-up play. It is a role similar to how Andrey Santos has been playing with the senior side recently.
That deeper positioning allows him to control tempo while helping the defense. It also limits unnecessary physical duels higher up the field. For a player returning from injury, that balance makes clear sense. Chelsea’s Under-21s are currently second in Premier League 2. They are chasing silverware but the bigger objective is different. The club wants Lavia to get back to his very best again.
Arsenal Test Nears As First-Team Return Close
Reports suggest Chelsea plan to include Lavia in the squad to face Arsenal next weekend. If that happens, it would mark nearly four months out of first-team football action.
The timing could not be better for the west London club. Several midfielders have looked tired in recent weeks. Moises Caicedo, in particular, has carried a heavy load. With Dario Essugo sidelined for long term, depth is lacking. The Blues need fresh legs and calm heads in the middle of the park.
Arsenal away is no easy game. It is intense, physical, and tough. But even being named in the squad would send a message. Lavia will likely be back for team selection. He will be ready to fight for his place under the new manager.
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