Romeo Lavia Gears Up for New Season at Chelsea

Romeo Lavia's recent performance during a training session has highlighted the benefits of his months of preparation using a virtual reality headset. Under pressure, Lavia executed a remarkable 50-yard pass to Noni Madueke, showcasing the skill expected from a player of his caliber. Unfortunately, just as he was nearing his Chelsea debut, Lavia suffered an ankle injury in training, which sidelined him for three months and limited his first season to just 32 minutes of play. Despite the opportunity to return before the end of last season, both Lavia and Chelsea opted to prioritize his long-term health over a few appearances. This decision has allowed him to focus solely on regaining his fitness for the upcoming 2024-25 season. Sources close to Lavia reveal that he has engaged in rigorous training and even took a club employee on a "holiday" to maintain his fitness regimen, demonstrating his commitment to overcoming last season's disappointments. Lavia's proactive approach has not gone unnoticed by Chelsea staff, who have been impressed by his willingness to mentor academy players, sharing insights from his experiences at Manchester City and Southampton. This involvement reflects his positive impact on the club, even while sidelined. As he continues to impress during the U.S. tour with his ability to link play and adapt to fast-paced transitions, Lavia remains optimistic, assuring fans that "the wait will be worth it" as he looks forward to a successful return.