Chelsea appear to have been handed an unexpected, and early, boost over Romeo Lavia after the midfielder’s latest outing for Belgium.
Following an absence of more than three years, Lavia returned to the Belgium squad for the extended autumn international break and featured in all four Nations League fixtures.
While the 22-year-old was unable to complete 90 minutes during the Nations League quadruple-header, he did play 85 and 87 minutes respectively during his two starts against France.
Fitness concerns addressed
However, there were concerns over his fitness upon being substituted in the first of those meetings - though Belgium head coach Mark van Bommel was quick to allay any such fears of a fresh injury setback.
"Romeo came on as a substitute against Italy and played 85 minutes against France," Van Bommel explained. "He did a fantastic job. You can already assume that I won't be starting him. Chelsea are being cautious with him, and so are we. We want to make optimal use of his qualities."
Disciplinary tight-rope
In Belgium’s two victories - over Italy and Belgium - Lavia came off the bench in both, though being shown a yellow card in the opening game of the international break left him walking the disciplinary tight-rope for the remaining three games.
As per article 60 of the ‘Regulations of the UEFA Nations League’ handbook explaining yellow and red cards, the ruling states: ‘During the league phase, players and team officials are suspended for the next competition match after two yellow cards and any subsequent even-numbered yellow card (e.g. fourth, sixth).’
Lavia was booked against France on Monday evening to double his yellow card count, meaning he will be suspended for Belgium’s next Nations League match against Turkey on November 12.
Impact for Chelsea
Therefore, if Lavia is named in the squad for next month’s internationals, he won’t be involved in both matches which should serve as a boost for Chelsea and Xabi Alonso.
The midfielder’s injury issues in the past are well documented, but he is poised for a key role - at least until the January transfer window opens - following the exit of Enzo Fernandez in the summer.
