Romeo Lavia has completed another significant step in his Chelsea resurgence by making his first Belgium appearance in more than three years.
The midfielder came off the bench for the final 15 minutes as Belgium secured a 2-0 Nations League victory away to Italy.
According to Chelsea’s official international round-up, Lavia’s only previous senior Belgium appearance had come in March 2023.
His return therefore ends a lengthy international absence dominated by the injury problems which disrupted the early years of his Chelsea career.
Romeo Lavia earns Belgium return
Lavia’s improved availability at Stamford Bridge convinced new Belgium manager Mark van Bommel to include him in his first squad.
The 22-year-old recently spoke about finally feeling “free” again physically and his determination to change the narrative around his Chelsea career.
He has already become an important option for Xabi Alonso this season and his international return provides further evidence of that progress.
Belgium next host France on Monday, meaning Lavia could come up against Chelsea teammate Maxence Lacroix.
Lacroix played the full 90 minutes as France beat Türkiye 1-0, while the latest appearances involving Chelsea players are being followed in our international break tracker.
Another Belgium appearance would give Lavia valuable minutes before Chelsea return to Premier League action against Bournemouth on 10 October.
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