Chelsea's Injury Nightmare Finally Ends as Star Player Prepares Comeback

Chelsea's central midfielder Roméo Lavia is reportedly close to achieving full fitness after being sidelined for over three months following his most recent injury setback that began in early November.

The Belgian was last featured in the 2–2 Champions League match against Qarabağ and has been absent for 98 matches due to various injuries, accumulating 608 days on the sidelines since his £58 million ($78.2 million) move from Southampton during the 2023 summer transfer window.

Blues boss Liam Rosenior acknowledged at January's conclusion that Lavia had resumed training activities but emphasized the importance of "additional patience" regarding his return to match action, declining to establish a specific timeline. "If they don't reach that target date, it reflects poorly on them when I understand how diligently Roméo is working."

Three weeks later, the Daily Mail indicates that Lavia is "approaching the conclusion of a comprehensive rehabilitation program," which forms part of Chelsea's "careful" strategy to prevent future setbacks.

The Belgium international with one cap maintained his training schedule at the week's beginning while his teammates enjoyed rest days on Monday and Tuesday. The expectation is that even upon receiving full medical clearance, Lavia will be handled cautiously and gradually reintegrated.

Lavia Can Alleviate Pressure on Chelsea Midfielders

Lavia Can Reduce Strain on Chelsea's Midfield Options

With both Lavia and Dário Essugo, who has been unavailable since the Club World Cup due to injury, out of action, Chelsea's natural central midfield depth behind first-choice pairing Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo has been restricted to only Andrey Santos.

Given that Fernández is frequently positioned higher up the field to compensate for Cole Palmer's unavailability, fullbacks Reece James and Malo Gusto have also been utilized as makeshift midfield options.

Chelsea's Busy Fixture List to March International Break

Chelsea's Packed Schedule Leading to March International Window

Although eliminated by Arsenal in the recent Carabao Cup semi-final, Chelsea continue competing in three tournaments heading into March and the remainder of the season. A potential maximum of 23 matches remain across Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup competitions. The minimum stands at 15.

Just from now until the first international window of 2026 concluding in late March, the Blues must navigate eight fixtures within a month spanning all three competitions. Beyond Premier League commitments, Rosenior's squad will meet Wrexham in the FA Cup fifth round on March 7, plus one of Paris Saint-Germain, Monaco, Newcastle United or Qarabağ in the Champions League round of 16 on March 10/11 and 17/18.

An unusual scheduling coincidence could result in three consecutive matches against Newcastle within a single week, with the Magpies advancing comfortably from their Champions League playoff first leg and a Premier League encounter already arranged between the round of 16 fixtures.