The 21-year-old Belgian, who has struggled with injuries since his £58 million move from Southampton in August 2023, has been plagued by recurring muscle issues, limiting him to just 11 Premier League appearances this season and a mere 32 minutes of action last term.
Lavia’s latest injury, described as a continuation of earlier muscular problems, occurred after a brief return to action in Chelsea’s FA Cup match against Bournemouth in early January 2025, where he played 45 minutes before being substituted.
Maresca’s update in February was vague, stating Lavia was “still in the process to come back” with “a long way to go,” but recent reports confirm the three-month timeline, ruling him out until at least late October 2025.
This absence is particularly damaging as Lavia’s press-resistant ball-playing and line-breaking passes are integral to Maresca’s possession-based system, which relies on midfielders like Lavia to connect defense with attacking players like Cole Palmer in the half-spaces.
Maresca now faces a tactical conundrum in the Champions League, where Chelsea are set to face formidable opponents in the expanded 2025/26 format. Lavia’s ability to average 4.7 line-breaking passes per 90 minutes, as highlighted by SkillCorner’s AI-driven analysis, made him a key component in big matches against teams like Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal earlier this season.
Without him, Maresca may turn to Enzo Fernández, who has returned from injury, or Moisés Caicedo, though neither replicates Lavia’s unique blend of defensive tenacity and progressive passing. Fernández, for instance, excels at breaking the final defensive line (18 times this season), but Lavia’s specialty is threading passes through midfield, creating space for Chelsea’s attackers.
Maresca has downplayed the need for January signings, stating Chelsea have “enough players to cover” the midfield, but the loss of Lavia’s composure and physicality could expose vulnerabilities against high-pressing European sides.
The manager’s cautious approach to reintegrating players, seen with Reece James’ managed minutes, suggests a reluctance to rush Lavia’s recovery, especially given the player’s history of setbacks. Lavia’s personal physiotherapist, David Bombeke, expressed frustration at the recurring injuries, noting they’ve begun to weigh on the young midfielder mentally, though Lavia remains optimistic about his eventual return.
As Chelsea navigate a congested fixture list, including Premier League title challenges and Champions League knockout aspirations, Maresca may adopt a more pragmatic approach, potentially shifting to a double-pivot midfield with Caicedo and Fernández to compensate for Lavia’s absence. This could limit Chelsea’s fluidity but provide stability against top-tier opposition.
The injury also raises questions about Chelsea’s long-term midfield planning, with Lavia’s potential as a “world-class” talent, as Maresca once described, tempered by his persistent fitness issues. For now, Chelsea must adapt without one of their most promising stars, hoping their depth can withstand the rigors of a demanding campaign.
