Relief for Chelsea as Roméo Lavia’s Belgium scare eases
Roméo Lavia limped off in the 80th minute of Belgium’s Nations League defeat by France, though it was subsequently reported the Chelsea midfielder was simply suffering from cramp rather than a fresh injury.
Lavia’s cramp scare overshadows a big night in Brussels
Lavia started in central midfield for Belgium as they faced France in Brussels on Monday, forming a pivot alongside Youri Tielemans and earning his full senior debut for the Red Devils. By most accounts he had an impressive evening in a tight contest before appearing to pull up and being withdrawn in the 80th minute, prompting immediate concern given his history.
Speaking to Dutch broadcaster VTM after full-time, Lavia said: “Pride and disappointment are the main feelings tonight. I am proud because this was my first start. The atmosphere was fantastic as well. But I am disappointed because we did not get the three points.”
He wasn’t the only Chelsea player under scrutiny from the France camp. Mike Penders was left out of Belgium’s matchday squad entirely after reportedly picking up a quad problem in training, with Belgian media suggesting it was minor and not expected to force him out of the camp altogether, as the Standard reported.
Lavia’s nascent Chelsea career has been defined by repeated injury interruptions. He is yet to complete a full 90 minutes of competitive football for the club three years after his move to Stamford Bridge, which makes any sight of him pulling up on international duty an instant talking point back in west London.
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Lavia had been a regular fixture for Chelsea’s midfield under Xabi Alonso this season, with his form earning the Belgium call-up in the first place, so any setback would land at an awkward moment given the club’s existing absentees, including Jamie Gittens’ ankle injury sustained on England Under-21 duty.
It remains to be seen whether Lavia will be involved in Belgium’s remaining Nations League fixtures against Turkey and the rematch with France, and there has been no official word from Chelsea on his condition beyond the cramp explanation given after the match. Fans can track Chelsea’s current injury list for the latest on the wider squad picture heading toward the return of Premier League action.
