Romeo Lavia's latest fitness issue struck just before the clash at Accor Stadium, though Xabi Alonso assured that it was not a major concern. The Spanish manager insisted the problem was more about discomfort than a serious injury.
Lavia's injury history since his move to Chelsea has been marked by recurring hamstring problems. His limited playing time—21 matches with no 90-minute appearance—highlights how difficult it has been for him to establish consistency.
Alonso optimistic but cautious
Despite Alonso's optimism, there's a cautious approach being taken toward Lavia's return. With the new Premier League season just weeks away, Chelsea are wary of pushing too hard and risking a repeat of past setbacks.
Lavia had been upbeat about the start of pre-season, praising Alonso's coaching and the team's work ethic in a diary entry shared by the club. His personal fitness journey, he wrote, had been focused and thorough in preparation for this summer's demands.
Transfer market moves ahead
While Lavia deals with his latest setback, Chelsea remain active in the transfer market. Bournemouth’s Alex Scott is reportedly attracting interest, and a new midfielder could be signed to bolster the squad.