Chelsea receive Romeo Lavia fitness update from Belgium boss

Chelsea receive Romeo Lavia fitness update from Belgium boss Romeo Lavia Fitness Plan Set as Belgium Mirror Chelsea Caution Belgium are taking the sensible route with Romeo Lavia, and frankly there is no other option. The Chelsea midfielder has talent, range and calm in possession, but his recent career has been shaped by fitness problems as much as football. That means every minute has to be managed properly. Lavia has started this season well at Chelsea. He has finally strung together appearances, looked sharp and given the impression that he can become a serious midfield asset if his body cooperates. Even so, the numbers matter. Since arriving from Southampton in 2023, he has still not completed a full 90 minutes of competitive football for Chelsea. That is the reality. Photo IMAGO Belgium Managing Romeo Lavia Carefully Belgium handed Lavia his full senior debut against France, and there was enough there to underline why he is rated so highly. He was composed, worked hard and covered ground well. When he limped off late on, there was immediate concern, but it was later put down to cramp. Soon after his withdrawal, Michael Olise broke through the middle and scored the only goal of the game. Now Belgium are following Chelsea’s approach and managing his workload across the rest of the international break. Head coach Marc van Bommel made the position clear. “Romeo came on as a substitute against Italy and played 85 minutes against France,” he said. “He did a fantastic job. You can already assume that I won’t be starting him. “Chelsea are being cautious with him, and so are we. We want to make optimal use of his qualities.” Chelsea Midfielder Remains Key Long-Term That means Lavia is unlikely to start against Turkey. Whether he features at all in that match, or later away to France, remains open. Belgium have no reason to push him. Chelsea certainly will not want that either. For club and country, this is about patience. Lavia can help Belgium now, but the bigger point is keeping him available consistently. If they get that right, Chelsea gain a proper midfielder and Belgium gain a player who can dictate games for years.