Xabi Alonso reveals new Chelsea injury boost before Tottenham showdown | OneFootball

Blues face London rivals Spurs in Sydney Super Cup clash this weekend

Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Romeo Lavia is fit for Saturday’s pre-season friendly against Tottenham in Sydney.

Lavia missed the opening game of Chelsea’s pre-season tour of Australia and Asia after feeling discomfort in his hamstring.

Alonso decided not to risk the 22-year-old as the Blues started their trip with a chaotic 6-4 victory over Western Sydney Wanderers on Tuesday, but says he will be available for selection against Spurs this weekend.

Lavia has endured a horrendous run of injuries since moving to Chelsea from Southampton for £58million in 2023 and is still yet to complete a full 90 minutes for the club.

Alonso has been cautious not to rush the Belgian international back before he’s fully fit, and it is unclear whether he will risk him against Tottenham at Accor Stadium.

A youthful Chelsea side played on a patchy pitch at the same venue against Western Sydney Wanderers, and Alonso will be aware of the heightened injury risk posed by the condition of the surface.

Asked whether Lavia would be available to face Spurs, Alonso said at a press conference on Friday: “He is okay for tomorrow.”

Injury nightmare: Romeo Lavia has yet to play a full 90 minutes for Chelsea in three years

Getty

Chelsea have also been boosted by the returns of Moises Caicedo and Nicolas Jackson after the pair were granted extended leave following the World Cup.

Alonso admits he is glad to have Caicedo back and heralded the Ecuador star as one of the best holding midfielders in the world.

“When I saw him yesterday, I saw I've been missing my midfielders because I really admire from outside you see his quality, his heart, his mentality,” Alonso said.

“I know the Ecuadorian players, they are different, and I had heard a lot. I spoke with him on the phone, but it was first contact, and he's a top, top player. For me, one of the best holding midfielders in the world, no doubt.

“And now he's here, now it's time to start working and to help him get improving and getting better.”