October 16th 2023.
Romeo Lavia, the 19-year-old midfielder who joined Chelsea from Southampton during the summer transfer window, is still waiting for his Chelsea debut. The promising prospect has had his introduction to the Blues delayed due to an ankle injury he suffered in training in September. An initial report suggested Lavia would be out of action for six weeks, however, the Mail now report that he is no closer to making his debut and will remain sidelined until the end of November or early December.
Lavia has been able to remove the protective boot he was wearing on his right ankle and begin rehab work in the pool, but it could be some time before he is able to resume first-team training. Mauricio Pochettino, the Chelsea manager, has confirmed that Lavia will not be back in action after the current international break, with the Blues facing Arsenal in the Premier League on October 21.
As well as Lavia, a number of Chelsea stars have withdrawn from international duty during the break. Cole Palmer, who scored four goals in the 9-1 thrashing of Serbia, will miss England Under-21s European Championship qualifier against Ukraine after picking up a knock. Armando Broja and Nicolas Jackson also returned from international duty ahead of schedule. Jackson has had minor wrist surgery and Broja is returning to Cobham, while Axel Disasi has withdrawn from the France squad due to a tear in his left quadriceps.
It's been a frustrating start to the season for Lavia and Chelsea, but the Blues will be hopeful that the Belgian can return to full fitness soon and make his long-awaited debut.
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