Romeo Lavia returned to the Belgium squad for the first time in 18 months during the recent international break, but did not feature in their games against Italy and Israel. Despite that, Enzo Maresca has confirmed the midfielder is fit to play for Chelsea today.
Lavia has been an impressive cog in our midfield in the past month, accumulating minutes as he readjusts to the pace of Premier League football after such a prolonged absence because of injury. Maresca is pleased his efforts have been recognised by his country.
‘First of all we are happy for Romeo that he is back in the international squad, that is the first thing we have to think,’ said Maresca.
‘If for any reasons he was not getting minutes, it is not a problem if Romeo keeps doing the right things and he is there the next time.
‘The important thing for him and for us is that Romeo is back to his level and back with the international team.’
Maresca also explained why Lavia’s lengthy time away from the game after signing for Chelsea at the start of last season has necessitated his playing time is carefully managed this time around.
‘The reason why he is not available for the Conference League squad is because we want to take care of him – players like Romeo and Wesley Fofana and those players who were injured last year.
‘But Romeo is very young, he is 20 and he has to work hard. His career is going to have more injuries because it is part of being a player and it is normal.
‘But in this moment, he is good, he is fit, he is back and he is doing well. He has to continue to work hard.’