Sports
Chelsea learn Romeo Lavia injury return timeline as Maresca gets pre-January boost
Chelsea are gearing to welcome back injury-ridden midfielder Roméo Lavia as Enzo Maresca gets a January boost, according to a fresh report this morning.
Roméo Lavia injury curse weakens Chelsea midfield
Lavia’s Stamford Bridge career has been marred by repeated fitness issues, and the statistics paint a pretty grim picture of it all.
The Belgian missed 226 days in total last term through injury, and managed just over 30 minutes throughout the entirety of his debut campaign in west London after a near-£60 million move from Southampton.
Maresca was easing Lavia back into the side before his most recent quadriceps injury, handing him starts against Nottingham Forest and Ajax.
He was also given the nod against Qarabağ in the Champions League, but just eight minutes into their 2-2 draw with the Azerbaijani minnows in November, Lavia was forced off with yet another problem.
Chelsea identify former defender as ‘perfect fit’ to replace Maresca as manager
He’s enjoyed a ‘rapid adaptation’ to coaching.
The 21-year-old was spotted launching a water bottle in frustration as he made his way for treatement, with it later emerging that Lavia was set for his latest in a long line of extended absences.
Lavia has never even completed a full 90 minutes for Chelsea since signing in the summer of 2023, according to the BBC, which has prompted the club to look at alternative engine room options.
Chelsea have been tipped to move for Crystal Palace sensation Adam Wharton next year, among other names, with journalist Simon Phillips now sharing an update on Lavia’s current condition.
Chelsea learn Roméo Lavia return timeline in boost for Enzo Maresca
Writing via his Substack, the reporter has revealed some rare good news when it comes to the former Man City starlet.
It is now believed that Lavia has returned to the grass and resumed individual training, with Chelsea expecting the midfield ace to be back fully available in January.
“One midfielder that has been very frustrating is Romeo Lavia,” Phillips wrote.
“We all know how class he is and how much ability he has; I think we play so much better when he’s on the pitch. But he has struggled throughout his career with constant and consistent injuries, and that’s not changed this season.
“Chelsea are not throwing the towel in on him just yet though, and SPTC Sources understand Lavia has now returned to the grass and is doing some individual training.
“If all goes to plan and no setbacks, Lavia is due back in the squad in January.”
The pressure on Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernández in midfield this season has been immense, with the £100m-plus duo playing a combined 3,544 minutes in all competitions so far this season.
Maresca quite simply needs a reliable holding midfield alternative to ease the burden on their shoulders, but Lavia has once again proved unreliable when it comes to availability.
Chelsea also haven’t been helped by Dario Essugo’s thigh problem, which has kept him out for most of 2025/2026 after surgery back in September.
News of Lavia’s pending return is good news for the Blues as they look to navigate a tricky and congested winter period.
He’s like Palmer & Estevao: Chelsea in talks to sign £38m future “superstar”
The sensational youngster could follow in the footsteps of Palmer and Estevao at Chelsea.
