- Romeo Lavia, out for the remainder of the season due to injury
- The midfielder chose to snub Liverpool and signed for Chelsea.
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Liverpool fans believe they have “dodged a bullet” after it was announced on Wednesday that Romeo Lavia will be ruled out for the remainder of the season.
The 20-year-old, who has played just 32 minutes this season for Chelsea, snubbed the Merseyside side in the summer in favor of a move to Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
Liverpool had made several offers for the former Southampton midfielder, but Chelsea came in at the last minute to sign the midfielder for £58m on a seven-year deal.
Despite that, Lavia has been cruelly plagued by injuries this season. She had returned from an ankle problem to take part in Chelsea’s 2-1 win against Crystal Palace in December, but she subsequently suffered a significant thigh injury.
It was confirmed today that he will now miss the rest of the season due to a delay in his recovery from that problem, with some Liverpool fans taking to social media to claim they could have been better off without him.
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One fan wrote: “It’s a shame to be honest.” But it seems like we dodged a big bullet.”
Another said: “Remember when they hijacked that Liverpool deal.”
Despite losing Lavia, Jurgen Klopp’s side would sign Wataru Endo and Dominik Szoboszlai, both of whom played a pivotal role in helping the Reds rise to second place in the league.
“Lucky to have you, Endo,” said another fan, posting a photo of the Reds midfielder.
Chelsea announced the news on Wednesday afternoon, issuing a statement that read: “MyUnfortunately, defender Romeo Lavia will miss the remainder of our 2023-24 campaign following a setback in his recovery.
“Recent medical assessments have confirmed that Lavia, who suffered a significant thigh injury against Crystal Palace in December, will not play again this season.”
Liverpool had also tried to sign Moisés Caicedo last summer but were again overtaken by the Blues after the former Brighton midfielder also opted to join Chelsea for £115m.
The Reds were criticized by some for not wasting their two midfield targets, with Jamie Carragher branding his former team’s transfer policy “an absolute disaster”. Despite this, things have not gone completely bad, with Endo, Alexis Mac Allister and Szoboszlai proving to be three excellent signings.
Meanwhile, at Stamford Bridge, the Belgian’s injury epitomized Chelsea’s problems this season. Pochettino has had to work with a depleted squad at times this season, with captain Reece James sidelined for extended periods this season.
Lavia’s absence could also be costly, with Chelsea effectively paying £1.8m per minute he played during the campaign.
Chelsea return to action this Saturday when Pochettino’s side host Burnley at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues are still likely to be without several stars for the match, including Levi Colwill, Christopher Nkunku and Wesley Fofana.
More to continue…
