Chelsea handed huge boost as Enzo Maresca provides positive injury update on key player ahead of Leicester City clash
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Romeo Lavia is available for selection against Leicester City, scheduled to be played on Saturday, November 23, in the Premier League. The Belgian suffered an injury scare in the 1-1 draw against Arsenal before the international break this month.
Lavia joined the Blues from Southampton in the summer of 2023 as one of the finest young midfielders in the land. The London giants reportedly paid £58m for the 20-year-old, who missed almost the entire season due to injuries.
Lavia had just one appearance under Mauricio Pochettino, registering 32 minutes of first team football last campaign. However, he has transformed into one of Chelsea's key men this year.
Maresca has put his trust in the Belgian, who hasn't disappointed so far. The player missed four games due to a hamstring injury at the start of the campaign but has registered seven appearances across competitions so far.
Lavia has started every game since the 1-2 defeat to Liverpool in October and has even kept Enzo Fernandez out of the starting XI. As such, Blues fans were holding their breath on his fitness during the international break.
However, speaking recently as cited by Fabrizio Romano, Maresca provided some refreshing news regarding the matter.
"Roméo Lavia is back. He's fit, he's ready to play," said Maresca.
Chelsea will play 12 games in the next six weeks. Thus, they will need all their players fit and ready. The Blues were without Jadon Sancho for the game against Arsenal, but the Englishman is expected to be in the squad against the Foxes.
Cole Palmer is likely to take the field as well, despite withdrawing from the Three Lions squad over the international break. However, Reece James has picked up another hamstring injury and won't be available.
How have Chelsea performed this season?
Chelsea arrive at Saturday's game sitting third in the Premier League table after 11 games, nine points behind leaders Liverpool. Enzo Maresca's team have won five and lost two in the league this campaign.
The Italian manager took over from Mauricio Pochettino at Stamford Bridge this summer. The Blues invested heavily in the squad once again in the summer transfer window and have done well so far.
The London giants have scored 21 goals in the league this season, the same as reigning champions Manchester City. Only Liverpool (22) have scored more than Chelsea in the Premier League this campaign. Overall, Maresca's team have found the back of the net 45 times in 18 games across competitions.