Chelsea star confirms fresh injury 'blow' ahead of Leicester City clash

Romeo Lavia has revealed he suffered an injury "blow" during Chelsea's draw with Arsenal at Stamford Bridge, but the midfielder is hopeful it is nothing too serious as Leicester City prepare to face the Blues after the international break.

Since joining Chelsea in the summer of 2023 from Southampton, the 20-year-old midfielder has had a torrid time with injuries. In total, Lavia has missed 47 matches in all competitions due to different injury problems, including four games at the start of this season.

Last term, his debut campaign in a Chelsea shirt, saw the Belgium international play just once. This season, though, he has already made seven appearances in all competitions and has recently climbed above Enzo Fernandez in the pecking order in the Premier League.

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This latest setback came during Chelsea's 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Sunday evening with Lavia being taken off on 68 minutes in place of Fernandez. "I received a little blow," Lavia said to RTL Info. "At the moment, we are testing to see if it is okay, but it should be fine, I think."

Lavia has joined up with the Belgium squad for their UEFA Nations League fixtures against Italy and Israel. Enzo Maresca will be hoping the midfielder can get some more minutes in his legs but crucially, avoid any further strain to his slight injury knock with Chelsea about to embark on a significant period of their 2024/25 season.

Lavia has formed quite the partnership in the middle of the pitch with Moises Caicedo in recent weeks. While neither Lavia or Caicedo are your conventional ball-winning No.6s, they have been able to offer more of a shield to the back four when playing together.

The Foxes face Chelsea at the King Power Stadium when the Premier League returns to action on Saturday, November 23.