Enzo Maresca reveals Romeo Lavia plan as Chelsea star returns to pitch after lengthy injury layoff

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Evening Standard

·3 October 2025

Enzo Maresca reveals Romeo Lavia plan as Chelsea star returns to pitch after lengthy injury layoff

The Belgian returned to the pitch as the Bleus were beaten by Brighton last weekend

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The Belgian midfielder has been sidelined since the Club World Cup, but returned off the bench against Brighton.

James had struggled with recurring hamstring injuries in recent seasons, but has been consistently available this season having carefully managed his minutes as he built back up to full match fitness. Maresca is optimistic that Lavia can follow his lead.

Maresca said: "Now we are in a much better position for both of them. Unfortunately, at this moment, Wes is out, but not for any physical problem. It's just for the concussion against Lincoln.

“The target with Romeo is that we can help him and we can bring him in the same condition as Wes and Reece, where they can play games. As you can see now, Reece is playing more games without problems. Hopefully, we can do the same with Romeo.”

The Italian is facing a selection dilemma ahead of the meeting with the Premier League champions with four central defenders unavailable.

Levi Colwill and Tosin Adarabioyo are injured while Wesley Fofana is observing concussion protocol after a knock to the head in last week's Carabao Cup win over Lincoln.

Trevoh Chalobah serves a one-match ban for his red card in the defeat to Brighton, leaving Benoit Badiashile - who has started just once all season after injury - and 19-year-old pair Jorrel Hato and Josh Acheampong as the only fit options.

"It's difficult but we trust all the (defenders) we have here," said Maresca. "When you can go always with the same two or you can change one after four or five games, it's much better.

"As much as you play together with another team-mate the relationship becomes better. Sometimes you don't even need to speak to do something on the pitch, they can understand immediately. When you continue to change it's more difficult.

"It was difficult against Brighton, against (Danny) Welbeck. After the red card we played with Josh and Hato. Both are top defenders, but together they had the same age as Welbeck."