Photo by Franco Arland - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Photo by Franco Arland - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Romeo Lavia was handed his first start for Belgium on Monday night as Mark van Bommel’s side came close to securing a point against France. The Chelsea midfielder lasted 85 minutes.
By all accounts, Lavia was excellent. Belgian media declared his performance was a joy to watch despite the defeat. Indeed, France’s winner – scored by Michael Olise – came after Lavia had been substituted.
Lavia completed all 39 of his passes, made more tackles than anyone else (5), and won six of his eight duels. The former Man City midfielder was excellent, but once again, he failed to complete 90 minutes.
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Romeo Lavia eases concerns that he picked up an injury
Lavia looked uncomfortable when he was replaced, with five minutes of normal time to play in the Nations League clash against Chelsea teammate Maxence Lacroix. Lavia is no stranger to injury.
A split of four graphic titled: "Has Chelsea's change in transfer approached worked?!" Image shows Emi Martinez, Danny Welbeck, Jordan Henderson and Maxence Lacroix playing for Chelsea.
A split of four graphic titled: "Has Chelsea's change in transfer approached worked?!" Image shows Emi Martinez, Danny Welbeck, Jordan Henderson and Maxence Lacroix playing for Chelsea.
However, speaking to Belgian outlet DH Net after the game, Lavia explained that he was only struggling with cramps. Lavia has struggled to complete 90 minutes ever since his £58m move to West London.
“It had been a long time since I’d played at such an intensity. It’s a process. From the start, I felt very comfortable; it’s the kind of match everyone loves to play. It’s all coming naturally,” Lavia explained.
Chelsea have already suffered injuries during the break
Xabi Alonso has had to endure more than his fair share of injuries. There is hope that Joao Pedro, Moises Caicedo, Reece James, Cole Palmer and Marco Palestra return before Bournemouth on October 10.
Even during the break, more injury problems have occurred. Mike Penders was missing against France, having missed Belgium’s away win over Italy. Chelsea’s back-up goalkeeper has picked up a quad issue.
Jamie Gittens has returned to Chelsea early from England U21 duty after being spotted on crutches. Young Lions boss Lee Carsley confirmed that Gittens has an ankle issue, but for Lavia, it was just cramp.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Maria Gracia Jimenez/Soccrates/Getty Images
Photo by Maria Gracia Jimenez/Soccrates/Getty Images
Split image with four players, which includes: Bruno Guimaraes, Lamine Camara, Alex Scott and Manu Kone
Split image with four players, which includes: Bruno Guimaraes, Lamine Camara, Alex Scott and Manu Kone