Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that midfielder Romeo Lavia suffered a fresh quad injury during the Blues’ 2-2 draw against Qarabag in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night. The 21-year-old Belgian went down clutching his leg just three minutes into the match at Stamford Bridge and was replaced by Moises Caicedo, sparking renewed concerns over his long-term fitness. Despite a late goal from Alejandro Garnacho that secured a draw, all attention post-match turned to Lavia’s condition and the club’s growing injury list.
What Happened and When
Lavia, who started alongside Andrey Santos in midfield, appeared emotional as he left the field early in the first half. Chelsea fought back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2, but Lavia’s early exit overshadowed the comeback.
The midfielder’s injury woes have been persistent since his £58 million transfer from Southampton in 2023. He made just one appearance in his debut season due to ankle and hamstring issues and only managed 22 matches last term. Lavia had returned this season after missing the first five league games with a muscle problem — this latest setback now threatens to halt his momentum again.
Maresca’s Reaction: “We Feel Ashamed for Him”
Speaking after the match, Enzo Maresca admitted the squad felt “ashamed” for the young player, who has endured a difficult run with injuries.
“We feel very ashamed, especially for him, because he’s not able to be fit for a long, long period,” Maresca said in his post-match press conference. “It’s too early to understand what kind of injury, but hopefully it’s not a big one.”
When asked whether the problem was another hamstring issue, Maresca clarified:
“No, I think it’s a quad injury.”
The manager’s comments confirmed that Chelsea’s medical team will assess the full extent of the damage over the coming days.
Midfield Depth Tested Again
Lavia’s latest setback arrives at a challenging time for Chelsea, who are already dealing with multiple injuries across the squad. His absence could push Moises Caicedo, Conor Gallagher, and Andrey Santos into heavier rotation in upcoming fixtures.
While the team’s resilience was evident against Qarabag, repeated injuries to key midfielders have disrupted consistency in Maresca’s first season in charge. If scans confirm a significant quadriceps injury, Lavia could be sidelined for several weeks, potentially missing key Premier League and Champions League fixtures in November.
What’s Next for Chelsea and Lavia
Chelsea are expected to issue a full medical update later this week once test results are available. The Blues next face West Ham United in the Premier League before returning to European action later this month.
For Lavia, this represents another frustrating chapter as he battles to establish himself at Stamford Bridge. Fans and teammates alike are hoping for a swift recovery to prevent another prolonged spell on the sidelines.
