Lavia returns for Chelsea Under-21s

Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia played 45 minutes for the Under‑21s as they hosted Leeds at the club's training ground on Friday afternoon.

The 22‑year‑old made his first appearance in the 2-2 draw having suffered a quadriceps injury during the Champions League match away to Qarabag in early November.

It was the latest setback in what has been an injury‑hit spell at Stamford Bridge following his £54m move from Southampton in 2023.

Lavia has still yet to complete a full 90 minutes for Chelsea, having made just 30 appearances in two and a half years and missing 98 matches across 603 days since joining the club.

Head coach Liam Rosenior revealed Lavia has been back in training over recent weeks while following a "detailed plan" aimed at ensuring he returns "for good". However, Rosenior has declined to give a timeframe for when the midfielder will be available for first‑team selection.

Chelsea's youth team went top of the Premier League 2 table despite surrendering a two‑goal lead, with Liam Rosenior and several first‑team players — including Cole Palmer, Liam Delap and Malo Gusto — watching from the sidelines.