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Concern swept through Stamford Bridge on Monday evening after midfielder Roméo Lavia hobbled off the field during Belgium's UEFA Nations League encounter against France.
Fitness problems have overshadowed the 22-year-old's time at Chelsea since he arrived in the summer of 2023, sitting out more matches than he's played since the Blues edged out Liverpool to secure his signature.
This campaign, however, Lavia has been fit whenever Xabi Alonso has needed him, appearing in six of Chelsea's first seven league fixtures—five of those from the opening whistle.
Even so, Lavia has yet to complete a full 90 minutes in a competitive match since joining Chelsea, and in his first career start for Belgium, he departed the field with a limp after 85 minutes.
The midfielder put in a strong display against France, but the sight of him seeking medical attention on the turf before carefully making his way off the pitch immediately triggered anxiety back in west London.
Lavia Gives Encouraging Update After Injury Scare
Muscular setbacks have plagued Lavia over the past three years, so it was entirely understandable that Monday's incident had supporters anxiously monitoring his condition.
Thankfully for both Chelsea and Belgium, Lavia confirmed he had not sustained any injury; he was simply dealing with cramps and needed to be taken off.
"It had been a long time since I'd played at such an intensity," Lavia told Belgian outlet DH. "It's a process. From the start, I felt very comfortable; it's the kind of match everyone loves to play. It's all coming naturally."
Lavia was among the most impressive performers for Mark van Bommel's side against Les Bleus. He completed all 37 of his pass attempts without a single error and contributed 10 defensive actions in the narrow 1–0 loss, with Michael Olise's stunning winner coming after the Chelsea midfielder had already left the field.
Chelsea will be greatly relieved that Lavia's early exit was not the result of a serious physical problem. The Blues will also be encouraged that the gifted midfielder is finally delivering consistent high-level performances.
Chelsea Need Lavia Now More Than Ever
The availability of Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo had allowed Chelsea to manage Lavia's injury absences throughout his time at the club. Now, the Blues desperately need the Belgian fit, with Caicedo having been sidelined since the beginning of the season and Fernández having departed for Manchester City.
Following Chelsea's failure to bring in a replacement for Fernández, captain Reece James has spent much of the campaign partnering Lavia in midfield, but the injury-prone Englishman is now dealing with another fitness concern, as confirmed by England manager Thomas Tuchel.
Lavia was rested during Chelsea's dismal 3–0 defeat to Brentford before the international break. Jordan Henderson and Valentín Barco formed Alonso's midfield double pivot, with the former making his Chelsea debut and the latter earning his first Premier League start.
Chelsea's options in midfield are alarmingly limited right now, making Lavia's fitness absolutely critical. More than at any other point, the Blues need Lavia to justify the £53 million ($68 million) they invested in him three summers ago.
With key figures including James, Caicedo, Cole Palmer, and João Pedro all nursing injuries, Chelsea will be hoping Lavia's explanation for his substitution against France holds true and that he is available for their first post-international break fixture against Bournemouth.