- The Chelsea midfielder was substituted at half-time of Sunday’s match against Tottenham.
- Romeo Lavia shared an update on his condition after receiving an elbow in the game
- LISTEN NOW It’s all starting!: Why can’t Chelsea win the league? They made seven substitutions and still scored five. Do you think Liverpool could do that?
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has revealed the worrying reason behind his decision to substitute Romeo Lavia during Sunday’s 4-3 win over derby rivals Tottenham, as the midfielder posted an update on his condition in the social networks.
Maresca celebrated a magical comeback win over Spurs as Cole Palmer scored twice in the London derby that moved the Blues to within four points of Premier League leaders Liverpool.
However, Chelsea’s away celebrations were somewhat soured by Lavia’s forced withdrawal from the match when the midfielder was hooked by Maresca at half-time.
The 20-year-old is quickly becoming a concrete starter in a team maintaining their surprising title challenge and was a constant danger during a frenetic first half against Spurs before being substituted at half-time.
In a physical encounter during the first 45 minutes, Lavia was elbowed in the back of the head by Spurs goalscorer Dejan Kulusevski in a moment of madness that could have resulted in a red card.
Kulusevski caught Lavia just behind his left ear and was somewhat lucky to avoid being sent off after a VAR review dismissed red card calls because the challenge “lacked excessive force”.
Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia was left in agony after being hit in Chelsea’s victory over Tottenham.
Blues manager Enzo Maresca (left) hooked up Lavia (right) at half-time during Chelsea’s 4-3 win.
The former Southampton prodigy suffered serious discomfort following the collision and required medical attention on the pitch before continuing for the rest of the half.
Later, Lavia showed in a publication on social networks the deep injury suffered after his altercation with Kulusevski after the game, but Maresca explained that he retired the midfielder for another reason.
Chelsea and other Premier League clubs have entered the busiest time of the season with games every few days and Maresca warned after beating Spurs not to risk the health of his players.
“In the second half we adjusted something, we deserved to win,” the Chelsea manager told Sky Sports after the match.
Lavia shared an update after Chelsea’s victory regarding the head injury suffered during the confrontation with Kulusevski.
Kulusevski (left) caught Lavia (right) with an elbow and avoided expulsion.
‘We had a problem with Lavia. Taste was inside. We are just a little bit the two attacking midfielders. The change was good.
‘He (Lavia) felt a problem in his hamstring. Now it’s okay. We don’t want to take any risks,” added the 44-year-old coach.
Maresca could give Lavia a rest during Thursday’s UEFA Conference League clash against Astana before returning when the Blues host Brentford in the Premier League next weekend.
Meanwhile, Tottenham suffered injuries of their own against Chelsea and defender Cristian Romero limped off after just 15 minutes upon his return from a 35-day absence.