Romeo Lavia: Chelsea star impresses for Under-21s on injury return as Cole Palmer watches on | OneFootball

Midfielder came through Premier League 2 tie without issue despite being target of one heavy tackle

The Belgian has been sidelined since November, when he suffered a quad injury eight minutes into a Champions League draw with Qarabag.

And 107 days after picking up his latest injury, he has finally returned to the pitch, starting the Premier League 2 clash against Leeds.

He came off at half-time with Chelsea leading 1-0 after an own-goal from Jacob Howard.

Lavia put on a composed if subdued performance, producing some impressive passing as he shook off the rust of his three-month lay-off. It remains to be seen whether he will make the squad to face Burnley at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

There was a nervous moment midway through the first-half, though, as Lavia was subject to a heavy late tackle from Leeds midfielder Ollie Pickles.

He took his time getting back to his feet but was able to play on until the break. Pickles was booked for his role in the incident.

Shim Mheuka, who has made three first-team appearances for Chelsea this season, was also shown a yellow card two minutes into the match for a late tackle on Leeds ‘keeper Darryl Ombang, but redeemed himself as he headed home to double the Blues’ lead after the break.

But a late fightback from Leeds ensured the points would be shared, as Freddie Lane and Rhys Chadwick both found the back of the net. It marks something of a missed opportunity for the Blues, who are top of the PL2, but failed to put any breathing space between themselves and second-placed Ipswich Town.

Chelsea starlet Reggie Walsh, who debuted in last season’s Conference League semi-finals, also featured in the match, while goalkeeper Freddy Bernal made his PL2 debut.