Chelsea Manager Enzo Maresca Provides Update on Romeo Lavia’s Injury After Qarabag Draw
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has shared concerning news about midfielder Romeo Lavia following the Blues’ recent 2-2 draw against Qarabag. The young talent suffered an injury just minutes into the match at Tofik Bakhramov Stadium on Wednesday night, leading to his substitution for Moises Caicedo.
During a press conference in Baku, Maresca expressed his sympathy for Lavia, stating, "It’s unfortunate for him. We’re concerned he may be out for an extended period. At this point, it’s too early to determine the exact nature of his injury, but I believe it involves his quad."
Maresca recognized the risks associated with starting Lavia, likening his situation to that of Reece James, who has faced similar challenges in the past. Before the team’s trip to Azerbaijan, he outlined a careful strategy for managing the Belgian player’s fitness.
"The primary focus for Romeo is to ensure he remains fit and avoids any further injuries," Maresca emphasized prior to the match. "At this moment, Romeo’s situation mirrors Reece’s from about a year ago, as he returns from a long absence. We must manage his condition meticulously—every minute, every day, every second."
Maresca continued, "We are pleased with Romeo’s progress. He has been training with us and appeared to be in great shape. However, we must proceed with caution to ensure he can fully enjoy his career as a footballer."
In terms of Lavia’s recent performance, Maresca noted, "We initially planned for him to play 45 minutes against Nottingham Forest. He then played around an hour against Ajax, and he performed very well against Tottenham. We are optimistic about his development, but it’s crucial to protect him."
Unfortunately, Lavia is expected to join Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto on the sidelines at Cobham. Palmer has been dealing with a groin injury but may be ready to face Barcelona at Stamford Bridge later this month. Maresca commented, "We are hopeful, but with Cole, we have to take it day by day and reassess as needed. Currently, he is not participating in team training."
As for Benoit Badiashile, Maresca shared encouraging news, stating, "He is likely to be available after the international break, which is fantastic for us."
Regarding Neto, who picked up a minor injury during Chelsea’s 1-0 victory over Tottenham, Maresca reassured fans, "It’s just a small issue, and we are taking precautions. He won’t be involved in tomorrow’s match."
Stay tuned for further updates on the fitness of Chelsea’s squad as they navigate this challenging period.
