Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia to miss remainder of season after injury setback

Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia will miss the remainder of the 2023-24 season due to his thigh injury.

The west London club confirmed the news in a statement on Wednesday.

“Recent medical assessments have confirmed that Lavia, who sustained a significant thigh injury against Crystal Palace back in December, will not feature again this season,” Chelsea said.

Lavia, 19, has only played once for Chelsea this season after joining from Southampton for a fee of £53million ($66.9m) plus £5m in add-ons last summer.

The Belgian arrived at Chelsea with an ankle injury and missed almost five months at the beginning of the season.

He was an unused substitute when Chelsea lost 2-1 at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Christmas Eve before making his debut as a second-half substitute in the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace three days later.

But head coach Mauricio Pochettino revealed that following the Palace game, Lavia had sustained another injury and the former Manchester City academy man has not featured since.

Chelsea also have fellow midfielder and summer signing Lesley Ugochukwu out as they prepare to host Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday. The 20-year-old has also not featured since December due to a hamstring problem.

Cesare Casadei was recalled from his loan spell at Leicester City to provide midfield cover amid Lavia and Ugochukwu’s injuries but has only made three cameo appearances as a late substitute since returning.

Chelsea have 11 Premier League matches remaining this season, as well as their FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City on April 20.