Chelsea midfielder Roméo Lavia sustained a new hamstring injury during a pre-season friendly against Western Sydney Wanderers on July 29, 2026.
The Belgian talent has now recorded 12 distinct injuries since his high-profile transfer from Southampton in 2023.
Lavia joined Chelsea for approximately €62 million under former manager Mauricio Pochettino but has never completed a full 90-minute match for the club.
He has made only 43 total appearances since arriving at Stamford Bridge.
Manager's Response
New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso addressed the setback after the match, expressing cautious optimism about Lavia's return.
"There is no point in taking a risk," Alonso said, indicating the club will exercise extreme caution in his rehabilitation.
Lavia's contract runs through 2030, giving the club time to manage his recovery.
The midfielder's pre-season preparations were seen as a fresh start under the new technical direction, but the injury derailed those plans.
Medical staff are evaluating the severity of the hamstring issue ahead of upcoming fixtures.
