Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia injury hampers pre-season

Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia missed the club's 6-4 pre‑season win over Western Sydney Wanderers in Sydney after feeling a hamstring discomfort, according to Xabi Alonso. The Belgian, who has suffered 12 injury setbacks since joining from Southampton, was described by the manager as not seriously injured and is expected to be available for the upcoming pre‑season match against Tottenham Hotspur on August 1 at Accor Stadium. Lavia has made only 21 appearances for Chelsea and has yet to complete a full 90 minutes for the club. Alonso stressed that the injury will not keep him out for long and that the team will manage his recovery carefully ahead of the new Premier League season. The injury comes as Chelsea continue to explore midfield signings in the summer transfer window.