A €62 million crisis: Xabi Alonso inherits Lavia's injury woes

Xabi Alonso’s start as Chelsea manager has involved more than just tactical adjustments; he has also inherited a difficult legacy of costly signings that have yet to deliver. Among the most pressing issues is the status of midfielder Romeo Lavia.

The London club invested approximately 62 million euros to sign the Belgian from Southampton in 2023. Since arriving at Stamford Bridge, however, Lavia’s career has been hampered by a string of physical setbacks. He has sustained 12 different injuries in that time, managing only 43 appearances without completing a single full 90-minute match.

Pre-season training under Alonso offered a fresh start, but the momentum was short-lived. During a friendly against Western Sydney Wanderers, Lavia reported hamstring pain. Alonso confirmed the issue afterward, emphasizing that the club would not rush the player's recovery, stating: "There is no point in taking a risk."

While the latest setback is not considered severe, it underscores the ongoing concern regarding Lavia’s medical record. With his contract running until 2030, Chelsea remains hopeful that the midfielder can eventually regain the form that made him a standout prospect at Southampton, though his physical fitness remains a critical point of concern for the new technical project.