"Feel Great" - Chelsea Midfielder Provides Fitness Update After Injury Worry On International Duty | OneFootball

Romeo Lavia has provided a positive fitness update after an injury scare during Belgium’s narrow defeat to France on Monday, but Chelsea teammate Mike Penders was absent.

It was Lavia’s first career start for Belgium, his third game for the national team since making his debut back in March 2023.

After making an appearance as a second-half substitute in Belgium’s 2-0 win over Italy last week, head coach Mark van Bommel decided to start Lavia alongside Manchester United’s Youri Tielemans in a double pivot in midfield against France.

Lavia certainly did not disappoint and was arguably the hosts’ best performer in the match. He completed 100 per cent of his 37 passes, made five tackles, one interception, two blocks, and two clearances, including one off the line, before he was forced off in the 85th minute.

Given the 22-year-old’s injury record, it wouldn't be surprising if some feared the worst when he hobbled off the pitch.

Unfortunately for him, France broke the deadlock just three minutes after he left the pitch through a brilliant solo play from Bayern Munich's Michael Olise. The goal proved enough to secure France their three points in the Nations League clash.

Lavia was understandably frustrated with the result, but at the same time, he felt grateful for the opportunity to continue his career with the national team after a three-year absence. More importantly, he seemed fine after a suspected cramp, rather than an injury.

“We had our chances too; it was a match between two very good teams,” the Chelsea midfielder told La DH Les Sports in a post-match interview.

“That’s football - it all comes down to the finer details. We can be proud: the atmosphere was exceptional, and the fans pushed us right to the end.

“Personally, I’m just happy to be back with the Red Devils; I’ve been waiting for this for a long time.

“I feel great, and I’m looking ahead now.”

Penders’ back-to-back absences

While Lavia escaped the injury list, the same cannot be said about Penders, who has now missed his second game for Belgium.

As previously reported, the young goalkeeper did not travel to Italy last week because of a quadriceps issue and stayed behind at the national team training centre in Tubize.

However, he remained out of the squad against France, with Manchester United's Senne Lammens keeping his spot as Belgium's starting goalkeeper.

During his pre-match press conference a few days ago, Van Bommel confirmed Penders' and Leandro Trossard’s injuries but offered little detail.

"We need to see how their situation develops. I can't say anything more about this."

Penders took part in the early training sessions with Belgium, so it is clear that he sustained the injury last week.

The Chelsea Belgian pair are expected to stay with the national team for the remaining two Nations League games against Turkey and the reverse fixture against France, before heading back to London.

The Blues will return to action in less than two weeks, hosting AFC Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on October 10.