Liverpool dodged a £58m bullet with Chelsea’s Romeo Lavia ruled out for the season

Liverpool fans will be relieved after seeing that Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to a setback in his recovery.

The 20-year-old had signed for Chelsea over the summer, rejecting strong interest and an offer from Liverpool.

Lavia has only managed one appearance for the Blues this season in a December clash with Crystal Palace but suffered a thigh injury during the game.

Lavia’s injury is a massive blow for Chelsea, who spent a reported £58 million to secure his signature. 

However, while the news of Lavia’s extended absence will surely frustrate Chelsea, Liverpool supporters may see it as a stroke of good fortune as they avoided signing a potentially injury-prone player.

Lavia showed promise during his Southampton days, but injuries have blighted his development. 

Lavia has now missed a major portion of the season due to injury. It remains to be seen how he recovers from this setback and if he can fulfil his potential at Chelsea. 

But for Liverpool, this news will gladden the hearts of many that the club did not shell so much for an unavailable player.

Missing out on the Belgian international also allowed Liverpool to go after Wataru Endo, who has overcome a difficult start to become a pivotal player for the Reds.

Endo delivered a hallmark performance against Chelsea in the League Cup win, and the Kop is beginning to appreciate the Japan international, even composing a lovely chant for him.

Endo’s performances notwithstanding, Liverpool must be in the market for a new defensive midfielder to allow Alexis Mac Allister to push up the pitch. 

At 30, Endo is no spring chicken and the new CEO of Football, Michael Edwards and sporting director, Richard Hughes, must find a player to provide competition for him in the centre.