Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has once again underlined his careful handling of midfielder Romeo Lavia’s recovery process, drawing direct parallels with the fitness path of club captain Reece James. Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s UEFA Champions League clash against Qarabag, Maresca confirmed that Lavia remains under a strict recovery plan designed to prevent further setbacks.
Fabrizio Romano quoted the gaffer via his official X account, stressing the need for the 21-year-old’s minutes to be carefully controlled, similar to how the club handled James’ gradual return to action.
He posted:
Maresca: I’d love to have Romeo Lavia always on the pitch but it’s my duty to protect him. The main target for Romeo is to be fit. Don’t get any injuries. For me in this moment Romeo is where Reece was more or less one year ago.
Softfootball understands that since joining Chelsea from Southampton in 2023, Lavia has made just 29 appearances due to a series of muscular issues. Maresca revealed that the midfielder’s playing time has been deliberately limited to aid his recovery. However, Maresca admitted that they are happy with the midfielder, and it is important that he finally reaches full fitness.
Meanwhile, Reece James’ successful return has served as an encouraging blueprint for Lavia’s rehabilitation. After years of injury struggles, James is now fully fit and capable of playing multiple games per week. Maresca praised his captain’s professionalism and discipline, describing him as 100% fit and in top physical condition, even when rotation keeps him out of the starting lineup; however, in the last four games that have seen him start, he completed all 90-plus minutes, just like in the club’s narrow 1-nil victory over Tottenham.
With Chelsea preparing for a busy stretch of fixtures across all competitions, Maresca reaffirmed the importance of patience in managing Lavia’s return Sending the Belgian to another long-term injury due to mismanagement will be very fatal to Chelsea’s squad depth.
