Romeo Lavia ruled out for the rest of the season

Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia will miss the rest of the season after suffering a setback in his recovery. He seemingly cannot catch a break.

The 20-year-old suffered a thigh injury during Chelsea’s December clash with Crystal Palace. It was his only appearance for the Blues this season.

Lavia has missed most of the season since his move from Southampton over the summer. Chelsea had pipped Liverpool to his signature, but the Belgian has been unable to get going with injuries holding him back.

The former Manchester City Academy star will look to put behind a disappointing season and return for pre-season preparations ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

Chelsea must feel a tinge of regret after spending £58 million to secure Lavia’s signature, as he has only made one appearance all season. 

It speaks volumes about the club’s horrendous transfer strategy that they were willing to spend so much on a backup defensive midfielder. Worse of all, a player that came with a dodgy injury history.

In truth, Chelsea have had to deal with countless injury concerns this term that have affected results on the pitch.

Apart from Lavia, Chelsea had paid £52 million for Christopher Nkunku, but he has also spent most of the season on the sideline. The Frenchman has made only seven Premier League appearances, bagging two goals and one assist. 

Benoit Badiashile, Reece James, Levi Colwill, Lesley Ugochukwu, and Wesley Fofana remain on the doctor’s table.

Carney Chukwuemeka pulled out from England’s youth games, and the Blues will hope that it is not serious. He will be desperate to put behind his stop-start season and continue playing a pivotal for the club in this crucial run-in.

Chelsea can climb up to eighth if we claim important wins against Burnley, Manchester United, Sheffield United, and Everton in the coming weeks. There is also the semi-final FA Cup clash against Manchester City in three weeks.