Fifth Chelsea player now known to have injury concern as FIFA virus spreads through camp | OneFootball

Romeo Lavia is the latest Chelsea player to report a minor injury as we head into this November international break.

He joins Malo Gusto, who reported for France Under 21s duty for a checkup before being sent home, and Wesley Fofana, who rejected the chance to go with the French senior team as he continues to steadily manage his minutes following some tough years of injury hell.

Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill withdrew from England’s squad at the start of the break too, in a move which was described as “precautionary.”

In quotes picked up by Football.London, Lavia told Belgian outlet RTL Info about a potential issue picked up in his last appearance:

“I received a little blow. At the moment, we are testing to see if it is okay, but it should be fine, I think.”

When he was removed after 68 minutes against Arsenal at the weekend for Enzo Fernandez it was assumed it was a tactical switch, as the Blues were chasing the game. We still have no reason to doubt that. But it’s another minor concern to add to the list.

Let’s hope that all 5 are really a case of the “FIFA virus” which spreads rapidly at this time of year – a record breaking 8 players have pulled out of Lee Carsley’s latest England squad, for example.

Romeo Lavia in midfield for Chelsea.

Chelsea still in strong position with empty treatment table

Right now Chelsea are in a great place with regard to injuries – and that’s especially true when compared to the nightmare of the last couple of years. None of the first team have any significant issues – it appears that Lavia, Gusto and Fofana will all be back for the Leicester game which follows the international break. Colwill and Palmer just want a break.

Not only are we injury free, we’re also up against teams like Man City, Arsenal and Man U who have significant players out or not at their best level right now. This next stretch of the season following the international break will be a great chance to make up some ground on them.