Enzo Maresca handed major boost as key player could return against Leicester | OneFootball

Romeo Lavia could return to the Chelsea squad for Sunday’s game against Leicester City according to journalist Kieran Gill.

Lavia has been plagued by injury issues following his move from Southampton in the summer of 2023 in a deal worth up to £58m.

The Belgian played just 32 minutes of football last season, and whilst he’s fared better this campaign he’s still missed a large chunk of action.

Lavia could make the bench against Leicester

The 21-year-old has made ten Premier League appearances this season, and hasn’t featured for the Blues since the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth in January.

However, there is positive news with Lavia now back in training and Gill has reported there’s a chance he could make the bench against Leicester.

Lavia hasn’t featured for Chelsea since January 14th against Bournemouth. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty)

He took to X.com and said:

“Romeo Lavia could make Chelsea’s bench vs Leicester on Sunday. #CFC do not believe he’s fit enough to be a starter yet. Last minutes were on January 14.

The return of Lavia would be a huge boost as Chelsea look to secure Champions League qualification, and despite his lack of minutes he’s one of the club’s most important players.

In Lavia’s absence Chelsea have lacked depth in midfield, with a lot of strain being put on Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, whilst Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall clearly isn’t trusted.

Chelsea won’t rush Lavia back and do have the option of playing Reece James in midfield, with Maresca claiming he’s always seen the 25-year-old as a midfielder.

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The Blues have got to find a way of keeping Lavia fit for the remainder of the campaign, and if that means limited minutes over the next few weeks then so be it.

In an ideal situation he won’t be called up the Belgium squad and he can have two weeks of hard work at Cobham working on his fitness so he’s ready to contribute over the run-in.