Ex-Chelsea defender Glen Johnson believes Romeo Lavia can become an important player for the Blues if he can stay free of injuries.

Speaking exclusively to Chelsea News (courtesy of TG Casino), Johnson said the Belgian’s performance during the 3-1 win over Liverpool was very impressive and it demonstrates what he can offer Enzo Maresca’s side when he is fit and available:

“Any team needs their best players fit, and I can’t remember the last time I saw him play, other than that Liverpool game,  which is obviously a shame, but, you know, it’s an exciting signing.”

“As soon as he gets to match fitness, there’s certain things he did in that game that were impressive, and you could just feel that once he’s got a few games under his belt, and as I said before, a bit of momentum and a bit of confidence, then he looks like he could be the real deal.”

“So yeah, so if they [Chelsea] want to improve on what they’re doing already, they need him and their best players fit.”

Lavia’s injury woes since moving to Stamford Bridge

Things didn’t get off to a great start for the midfielder after Chelsea beat Liverpool to the signing of the midfielder at the start of the 2023/24 campaign.

Fitness problems meant Lavia missed the opening weeks of the season before he injured his ankle in September. He only managed to play one game (a substitute appearance vs Crystal Palace) before breaking down once again with a hamstring issue.

Things have only been slightly better for the 21-year-old this campaign. More hamstring problems have limited him to just 15 matches in total.

Chelsea will be keen to keep him on the pitch for the final 3 league games

The victory against Liverpool means that Maresca’s men are still very much in contention for Champions League qualification.

Tricky away games against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, with a home fixture versus Manchester United in between, mean they need their best players in contention to secure positive results, so Lavia’s availability could prove vital.

Find out who is in Chelsea’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here