134
Chelsea faces a fresh setback in their challenging season as midfielder Romeo Lavia endured a thigh injury just 30 minutes into his debut against Crystal Palace. Manager Mauricio Pochettino, already grappling with a string of injuries, expressed concern about Lavia’s condition, casting doubt on the player’s immediate availability.
Lavia, a £58 million ($74m) summer signing, made a delayed debut as a second-half substitute in Chelsea’s 2-1 victory on Wednesday. Despite contributing to the win, the young midfielder’s premature exit raises worries for Pochettino and the Chelsea faithful. The nature of the injury, suspected to involve Lavia’s thigh, adds to the club’s ongoing fitness challenges.
With a quick turnaround for the next Premier League clash against Luton Town on December 30, Chelsea faces further complications in an already congested schedule. The potential absence of Lavia compounds the injury crisis, with Pochettino eagerly awaiting updates from the medical staff.
This latest setback comes amidst a season plagued by injuries for Chelsea, with captain Reece James already sidelined for an extended period. As the Blues navigate through a demanding festive schedule, Pochettino’s ability to manage the squad’s fitness becomes crucial for sustained success.
