Chelsea Boss Maresca Gives Update on Romeo Lavia After Draw With Qarabag
Chelsea’s young midfielder Romeo Lavia lasted just five minutes in the 2-2 Champions League draw against Qarabag in Baku, forcing manager Enzo Maresca to replace him with Moises Caicedo. Lavia’s premature substitution highlighted ongoing fitness struggles that have plagued his time at Stamford Bridge. Below you will see complete information that has been summarized by The Football Breakdown.
Since joining Chelsea from Southampton in 2023 for a reported £58 million, the 21-year-old has managed only 29 appearances, raising questions about his long-term impact at the club. Maresca expressed frustration at the timing of the injury, as Lavia had been expected to get more game time and provide a rest for other key midfielders.
The injury disruption not only affected Chelsea’s midfield balance but also limited Maresca’s tactical options early in the match. This draw against Qarabag emphasized the need for a fully fit squad to compete effectively in the Champions League group stage.
Maresca Comments on Lavia’s Condition
After the match, Enzo Maresca provided an update on Lavia, noting that the midfielder’s fitness remains a major concern. “We feel shame for him, especially for him,” the coach said. “He’s not able to be fit for a long, long period. We will see now. It’s too early to understand what kind of injury. I think it’s his quad.”
The manager highlighted that it is too soon to determine the severity of the injury, leaving Lavia’s immediate availability for upcoming fixtures uncertain. Chelsea now face a period of monitoring and rehabilitation, hoping the injury does not sideline the midfielder for an extended spell.
Maresca’s comments suggest caution as the club navigates the demanding schedule of both domestic and European competitions, emphasizing the need to manage players’ physical condition carefully.
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Impact on Chelsea’s Champions League Campaign
Lavia’s early exit and fitness struggles add to Chelsea’s challenges in the Champions League, where the squad cannot afford injuries if they aim to progress beyond the group stage. The 2-2 draw in Baku means the Blues must rely on other midfielders to maintain consistency and cover for key absences.
The injury also affects squad rotation, with Maresca having fewer options to rest key players like Moises Caicedo. Chelsea’s inability to field a fully fit midfield could impact their performance in upcoming matches against tougher European opposition.
Managing Lavia’s recovery carefully will be crucial to ensure the team does not face further setbacks while keeping their Champions League hopes alive.
Looking Ahead for Lavia
Chelsea will now monitor Lavia closely to assess the extent of the injury and determine a recovery timeline. The midfielder’s history of recurring fitness issues underscores the importance of careful management by the medical and coaching staff.
Maresca’s statements reflect empathy for the player while acknowledging the practical challenges of squad management. Fans will be eager to see Lavia regain full fitness, as his talent and potential remain significant for Chelsea’s long-term plans.
The coming weeks will reveal whether Lavia can return to regular play and contribute effectively in both the Premier League and Champions League campaigns. Also take advantage of your free time to explore more of the latest Premier League news by simply clicking on footballtipsonline.co.uk.
