Chelseavs.Fulham

For the first time this season, Maresca is having to deal with a number of injuries to key players having been able to freely rotate between different competitions in previous months.

Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile remain sidelined for a number of weeks, while Mykhaylo Mudryk is provisionally suspended due to a failed drugs test.

However, Maresca has suggested on more than one occasion that Lavia may come back into contention for the Christmas period after his latest stint on the sidelines.

The 20-year-old has not featured since being withdrawn at half time against Tottenham Hotspur on December 8.

What has Maresca had to say?

Speaking ahead of welcoming their West London neighbours to Stamford Bridge, Maresca acknowledged that the game had come too soon for the Belgium international.

The Italian told reporters: "Romeo is still recovering. He is much, much better. He is already on the pitch, he is already working, but unfortunately, he is not ready for the next game."

With four days between the derby and a trip to Ipswich Town, Maresca will hope that Lavia is ready to return to the squad for the visit to Portman Road.

Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez are in line to remain as Maresca's pairing in the engine room unless he brings Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall for his first league start of the season.

Should Chelsea be worried over Lavia injuries?

With Lavia making just one substitute appearance through the entirety of 2023-24, there has understandably been caution over his game time.

A total of seven starts and three substitute outings have been made in all competitions, Lavia having not been considered for cup fixtures since the start of September.

Since Maresca arrived at Chelsea, Lavia has not been used in a starting lineup twice in the same week, yet he has still sustained several muscle issues.

Chelsea can only hope that it is a consequence of effectively missing a full season, rather than something that will continue to occur throughout his time at the club.

Written by

Darren Plant