Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia will not feature in the upcoming highly anticipated clash against Manchester City, according to manager Mauricio Pochettino. The Belgian youngster, who joined Chelsea from Southampton in a summer transfer deal worth around £58 million, has been sidelined due to an injury sustained in training.
Lavia, who has shown great potential since his arrival at Stamford Bridge, has been an important part of Chelsea’s midfield rotation. However, his absence will undoubtedly be a blow to the team, as they prepare for a challenging matchup against the defending Premier League champions.
Pochettino confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Lavia would not be available for selection, citing a minor injury that would require a period of rest and rehabilitation. While the specifics of the injury have not been fully disclosed, sources suggest it may be related to a knock to his ankle, which the medical team is closely monitoring.
The 19-year-old has already made a positive impression since joining the Blues, showcasing his defensive solidity, technical ability, and composure in the middle of the park. His absence leaves a gap in Chelsea’s midfield, where he has been expected to play a key role alongside the likes of Enzo Fernandez and Moisés Caicedo in stabilizing the midfield.
Lavia’s injury comes at a crucial point in the season, as Chelsea faces an intense schedule, with several tough matches in both the Premier League and other competitions. Pochettino will now have to rely on other midfield options, including Conor Gallagher, who has been in fine form recently, and Chelsea’s new signing, Cole Palmer, who could be called upon to step into a more central role.
Despite the setback, Pochettino remains optimistic that Lavia’s injury is not serious, and the player will be back in action soon. Chelsea fans will be hoping that the absence of one of their promising new talents will not derail their momentum as they seek to challenge for top honors this season.
The Blues will face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, a fixture that has always been a tough contest. With Lavia out, Chelsea will need to adapt their tactics and rely on their depth to get a positive result against Pep Guardiola’s side.
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