Lavia banned for Belgium’s trip to Turkey, leaving Italy as his only game of the break
Romeo Lavia misses Belgium's Nations League match in Izmir after a second yellow card of the league phase. One appearance at most this break is a small boost for a Chelsea squad short of midfielders.
Romeo Lavia will not play for Belgium against Turkey in Izmir today. The Chelsea midfielder is suspended after his second yellow card of this Nations League campaign, which came against France, Belgian broadcaster Sporza reported. He is not in Mark van Bommel’s 23-man matchday squad. Romelu Lukaku is also missing after staying behind injured.
The game at the Gursel Aksel Stadium kicks off at 5pm UK time. Lavia’s one remaining fixture of the break is at home to Italy at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels on Sunday. Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders is also with the Belgium squad for both games.
The ban follows UEFA’s Nations League regulations. A player is banned from the next competition match after two yellow cards in the league phase. Another ban follows every further even-numbered caution. Yellow cards that have not led to a ban, and bans still to be served, are wiped once the quarter-finals are finished.
One Belgium game means a lighter load for Chelsea’s midfielder
Chelsea are short in midfield. Captain Reece James had successful minor knee surgery after getting injured in training. He missed the 5-1 home win over Bournemouth while he was being assessed. Sky Sports reported that he was expected to be out until 2027.
Caicedo has been struggling with discomfort, and the club’s injury list is growing. Lavia has a long history of fitness problems. A ban that cuts his international workload from two games to one is a small but real boost for Alonso.
His value was clear at the Stade de France. Lavia started for Belgium and set up Dodi Lukebakio’s opening goal with a pass through the defence. He was taken off late in the game. Belgium went on to lose 4-1.
Belgium chase a top-two finish without Lavia in Izmir
The suspension comes at a delicate point in the group. France lead League A Group 1 on 10 points, while Turkey have none. Belgium’s single target for the November games is to finish in the group’s top two.
Lavia was named among the six midfielders in Belgium’s squad for these fixtures. His absence in Izmir leaves Van Bommel to pick from the other five. Lavia should then be available again for the meeting with Italy, the side directly above Belgium in the table.
For Chelsea, the next date after the break is Leeds at Stamford Bridge on 21 November.
