Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has offered a cautiously optimistic update on Romeo Lavia’s fitness, but the midfielder’s availability for Sunday’s Premier League clash against Ipswich Town remains in doubt. The 21-year-old, signed in a £58 million deal last summer, has endured a stop-start season plagued by injuries, limiting him to just 13 appearances across all competitions.
With Chelsea pushing for European qualification and a Conference League semifinal berth, Lavia’s potential return could bolster their midfield—but time is ticking.
Romeo Lavia Injury Update
Maresca revealed earlier this month that Lavia suffered a fresh muscular setback during his rehabilitation, dashing hopes of an immediate return.
“He was progressing well, but unfortunately, he had a small problem a day ago,” the Italian coach stated ahead of Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Tottenham.
While initial assessments ruled out long-term damage, the club has opted for a conservative approach to avoid reinjury.
Despite missing recent matches against Brentford and Legia Warsaw, Enzo Maresca hinted at a phased return:
“Hopefully, we can get Romeo back very soon. I don’t know if it’ll be for the next game [vs. Ipswich], but he looks quite good and could be back shortly.”
This timeline suggests Romeo Lavia might target Chelsea’s following fixtures, including a pivotal Conference League clash, rather than rushing into Sunday’s lineup.
Why Lavia’s absence stings
Lavia’s tenacity and ball-winning prowess have been sorely missed in Chelsea’s midfield. His ability to break up play and transition defense into attack complements Enzo Fernández’s creativity, offering balance in Maresca’s system. Without him, the Blues have relied heavily on Moisés Caicedo and Conor Gallagher, but the duo’s workload risks burnout during a congested schedule.
The Ipswich match, a rematch of December’s shock 2-1 defeat, demands physicality and composure—traits Romeo Lavia embodies. While his inclusion seems unlikely, Chelsea’s medical team is racing to clear him for bench duties, at minimum.
Marc Guiu’s comeback adds depth
In brighter news, striker Marc Guiu is nearing a return from a hamstring injury sustained in February. Enzo Maresca confirmed the 18-year-old is “much better and could be back before the season ends,” offering a boost to Chelsea’s attacking options. Guiu’s aerial threat and hold-up play could prove vital in tight fixtures.
Final Verdict
With seven league games and a potential European final ahead, Chelsea cannot afford to rush Lavia. Ipswich’s high-pressing style demands peak fitness, and a premature return might exacerbate his muscle issues. Expect Maresca to lean on Caicedo and Gallagher while targeting Romeo Lavia’s comeback for the Conference League semifinals or the May 5 clash against West Ham. For now, Chelsea’s midfield puzzle remains incomplete—but the pieces are falling into place.