How Lavia has avoided becoming risk-averse

[Getty Images] Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia says he is finally reaping the rewards of his hard work, feeling "free" again and determined to "change the narrative" around him. The 22-year-old is on the verge of enjoying his longest spell in the Chelsea side and, if he completes 60 minutes against Brentford on Friday, he will surpass his previous best run of 518 minutes without injury - including pre-season matches. Such progress has been some time in the making. Lavia made just one appearance in his first season at Stamford Bridge because of a serious hamstring injury. In his second campaign, he suffered a series of setbacks and missed 33 games - down from 42 games in his first season - before significantly improving his availability last term. He featured in about half of Chelsea's matches in 2025-26, and has remained available throughout pre-season and the opening weeks of the new campaign. "There is so much that goes on behind the scenes," Lavia told BBC Sport, adding that he has a checklist he likes to tick off to ensure he is in the best condition for any given match. "It is a big process, but we are doing well at the moment." It has been about overcoming the mental toll of repeated setbacks and also avoiding becoming risk-averse. "I've learned that you can always go further than you think you can," he said. "You can always push your limits." Lavia's importance has only increased in Xabi Alonso's midfield, with Moises Caicedo limited to 14 minutes this season and Enzo Fernandez leaving for Manchester City . "I really like being in my position and also being at this club," he added. "Having this responsibility isn't even pressure because it is just a privilege. I'm actually living the dream. This is what I've been training all these years for." For Lavia, it is about ticking off milestones and enjoying the journey, both collectively and individually, after scoring his first Chelsea goal in a 4-3 win against Brighton . "It was just a moment where I felt free," he explained. Read the full article here