Romeo Lavia optimistic about injury recovery ahead of Flamengo clash

Roméo Lavia reveals his determination to overcome injury problems that have plagued him since joining Chelsea for a £58 million transfer fee from Southampton.

The 21-year-old midfielder — who has yet to complete a full 90 minutes since his arrival two years ago — was substituted at halftime during Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over LAFC in Atlanta.

“I feel very good and confident in my body. The halftime substitution was just about managing minutes, there’s no physical issue,” said Lavia.

Unlike his teammate Moisés Caicedo who appeared in all 38 Premier League matches this season — Lavia acknowledges the importance of maintaining fitness:

“The biggest credit a footballer can have is to be available. I want to put all injuries behind me and look forward to the future.”

Chelsea has also announced Andrey Santos‘s integration into the first team for the first time since his £18 million transfer from Vasco da Gama. The team will continue their Group D matches against Flamengo at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia.