Chelsea double boost confirmed as midfielder plays and £17m signing returns | OneFootball

Blues return to Premier League action next weekend

Lavia, yet to complete a full 90 minutes for Chelsea outside of a pre-season friendly despite joining the club in 2023, emerged as a fresh concern when he was substituted in Belgium’s 1-0 loss to France on September 28.

However, it was confirmed that the midfielder was suffering from cramp as Belgium head coach Mark van Bommel explained the national team were following the Blues’ lead in terms of managing Lavia’s minutes.

"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.

As such, while Lavia did not start for Belgium in their 3-0 win over Turkey, he did replace Hans Vanaken just after the hour mark to help see out the game and could now start against France on Monday evening.

Romeo Lavia in action for Belgium against Turkey

AFP/Getty

Elsewhere, Chelsea’s reserve goalkeeper Mike Penders - a £17million arrival from Genk in 2025 - was on the bench for the aforementioned Nations League fixture after missing out against Italy and France previously.

It was reported last month that Penders suffered a quadriceps injury in training which has, so far, denied him the opportunity of winning a first senior international cap.

The fact that Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens has kept two clean sheets in three appearances during the autumn international break suggests Penders will have to wait a little while longer for his Belgium debut.

With that said, the good news for Chelsea is that the 21-year-old was fit enough to take his place in the matchday squad as Xabi Alonso will be hopeful of a clean bill of health for his side’s return to Premier League action next weekend.