Chelsea's Injury Woes Deepen with Lavia and Badiashile Concerns

Chelsea's manager, Mauricio Pochettino, faces a growing injury crisis, casting a shadow over the team's upcoming fixtures. The latest setbacks involve midfield sensation Romeo Lavia and defender Benoit Badiashile, adding to an already extensive list of sidelined players.

Lavia, a recent £58 million summer acquisition from Southampton, only recently made his debut for Chelsea in the victory over Crystal Palace a few days ago, as he has been sidelined with injury.

The young Belgian relapsed following his debut, for which Pochettino expressed disappointment while providing an update on his situation. “We need to assess Lavia in the next few days and see because he feels something,” he said, per Fabrizio Romano “We still don't know if it is going to be a few days or a few weeks,” he added.

The severity of Lavia's injury remains unclear, with the club awaiting further medical assessment. Speculations suggest a potential six-week recovery period, but the exact timeline is uncertain pending evaluation.

Benoit Badiashile, another key player, has been ruled out of immediate contention due to fatigue and a minor complaint. While not considered a major issue, his unavailability further strains Chelsea's defensive options. 

Pochettino acknowledged the challenges posed by these injuries, emphasising their impact on the team's competitiveness and training dynamics. “Badiashile out? He’s a little bit tired and felt something, which is not a big issue.”

The Blues are grappling with a significant injury list, which includes nine players: Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Carney Chukwuemeka, Marcus Bettinelli, and Trevoh Chalobah, alongside Lavia and Badiashile. This situation has led to concerns about the squad's depth and ability to maintain performance levels in competitive matches.