Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia is in line for a crucial first-team chance following an injury to key player Enzo Fernandez during the international break.
Fernandez Knee Injury Gives Chelsea’s Lavia a Chance to Shine
The setback for Fernandez could finally provide the platform for Lavia to establish himself at Stamford Bridge.
The opportunity arises after Enzo Fernandez was withdrawn from the Argentina national squad due to inflammation in his right knee, a condition diagnosed as synovitis.
Fernandez has been an ever-present and influential figure for Chelsea this season, scoring three Premier League goals and even captaining the side.
His absence leaves a significant gap in the team’s midfield ahead of their upcoming match against Nottingham Forest.
With Fernandez sidelined, manager Enzo Maresca is now expected to turn to Romeo Lavia.
The 21-year-old Belgian defensive midfielder, who joined Chelsea from Southampton in 2023 for a reported £53 million, has seen his career at Stamford Bridge stalled by injuries.
Since his arrival, Lavia has managed only 19 appearances for the club over the past two seasons, making him a peripheral figure until now.
Lavia recently made a appearance off the bench in Chelsea’s last-gasp win over Liverpool, and this sudden change in circumstances presents him with a massive opportunity to secure a starting role.
This potential shift comes at a challenging time for Chelsea, who are already managing injuries in the midfield department, with Moises Caicedo, Andrey Santos, and Dario Essugo also on the sidelines.
If selected, a partnership between Lavia and Caicedo promises to bring immense physicality to Chelsea’s engine room.
For Lavia, this could be the long-awaited chance to prove his worth and reignite a career that has yet to truly start in West London.
