Romeo Lavia appeared to be nursing a minor problem towards the end of Belgium's clash against France in the UEFA Nations League on Monday night
Romeo Lavia of Belgium talks to press after the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Belgium and France at Stade Roi Baudouin on September 28, 2026 in Brussels, Belgium
Romeo Lavia following Belgium's defeat to France in the UEFA Nations League.(Image: Photo by Franco Arland - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
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Romeo Lavia has provided an injury update following Belgium's unfortunate 1-0 defeat to France.
The Chelsea midfielder, who made a great impression during the UEFA Nations League group stage clash at the King Baudouin Stadium on Monday night, looked rather uncomfortable when he was replaced by Nicolas Raskin in the final minutes.
Lavia had caught the eye in the middle of the park, completing each of his 39 passes, winning six of his eight duels, diving into five tackles, and blocking two shots. The 22-year-old had also cleared the ball off the line at one stage, putting the Red Devils in an excellent position to at least salvage a point against Zinedine Zidane's side.
Towards the end of the game, Lavia appeared to be nursing cramps, so he was substituted. A few moments later, Michael Olise fired Les Bleus into the lead following a mazy run from the halfway line.
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Despite the Chelsea playmaker's best efforts, Belgium tasted defeat for the first time in Group A of the UEFA Nations League. After the game, Lavia squashed fears that he had suffered an injury.
Speaking to Belgian outlet DH Net in the mixed zone, he said: "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."
Although Lavia was unable to finish the game, he did at least manage to mark his first start for Belgium with a dominant display. The Blues star continued: "There is a huge amount of pride after this first start, three years after my first selection.
"It makes me happy, but unfortunately, we were unable to secure the victory. It leaves a bitter taste. It came down to the details. We gave it our all and can be proud of our performance.
"We mustn't forget that this is the start of a new era with a new coach. It's up to us to learn from this for the upcoming matches."
Mark van Bommel, who replaced Rudi Garcia as head coach following the World Cup, had given Lavia some 'great advice' in the build-up to the clash. The former Southampton midfielder added: "He spoke to me throughout the week.
"He gave me some great advice that makes a real difference at this level. I'm very happy to be able to benefit from it."
Back in August, Lavia completed his first 90 minutes in just over two years, when Chelsea faced AC Milan in a pre-season friendly at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Central Jakarta, Indonesia.
Speaking to club media following the Blues' victory, Xabi Alonso heaped praise on the Belgian. The Chelsea manager said: "I'm very happy for him because he has a break, a block (while pointing to his head). He was tired, but I said, 'Let him play, let him enjoy the 90 minutes.' He finished exhausted, so I think he's really happy."
Lavia has since remained fit and regularly available for selection, thus establishing himself as a key player for the Blues. With Moises Caicedo nursing a knock, Alonso will certainly be relying on the Belgian ahead of the festive period.