Chelsea handed NIGHTMARE Lavia blow

Chelsea have been dealt a hammer blow following news that Romeo Lavia has suffered a hamstring injury while on international duty with Belgium.

The 20-year-old made just one appearance during his debut campaign at Stamford Bridge, due to injury problems, but he has returned to full fitness and established himself as a key player under Enzo Maresca.

Lavia has already played seven times for Chelsea so far this season and he has usurped Enzo Fernandez in the midfield pecking order in recent weeks.

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His form so far this year earned him a call-up for Belgium’s senior squad during the November international break, however Lavia didn’t feature against Italy or Israel due to a hamstring issue.

As a result, Chelsea will be concerned that the ex-Southampton star may need time on the treatment table upon his return to Cobham next week.

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What has been said?

“Some players had problems immediately after the [last] game, and we already knew in the evening that they would not be available,” Belgium boss Domenico Tedesco admitted ahead of their clash against Israel.

“Then there were injuries today like Romeo Lavia. [Romelu] Lukaku has a knee problem, he felt it after the game. It was not agreed before that he would leave after a game. [Arthur] Theate and Lavia have hamstring problems.

“It’s not like they’re trying to escape. They really have something. To be honest, I’ve never had to deal with this kind of situation before.

“I don’t have any injured players anymore and it feels a bit like the season is over. I’ve never experienced this before.

“Out of a pre-selection of 51 players, 20 were already unavailable before the camp. Now another five are gone. That’s just the way it is.

“We have to concentrate on the guys we have here now and it’s certain that we’ll have a good team.