Romeo Lavia to feature in Chelsea’s FA Cup clash with Wrexham after injury woes

Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior confirmed Romeo Lavia will feature in Saturday’s FA Cup meeting with Wrexham as he continues on the road back from injury.

The 22-year-old has had his time at Stamford Bridge wrecked by fitness issues but could be in line to make his first start since November 5 when the Blues visit the Racecourse.

A £54million signing from Southampton in 2024, he is yet to complete 90 minutes for Chelsea, missing virtually the entirety of his first season and making only 32 appearances in the 18 months since.

He was forced off with his latest injury – a quadriceps problem – after only eight minutes of his last start when the team drew 2-2 away to Qarabag.

After spending three and a half months out, he played 15 minutes in each of the team’s last two games, last Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Arsenal and the 4-1 win over Aston Villa in midweek, and Rosenior was optimistic of the midfielder playing a significant role in the coming months, starting with Saturday’s fifth-round tie.

“I’m delighted for him,” he said. “Romeo will definitely play a part. He’ll play a huge part for the rest of the season.

“We know his attributes. He’s been itching to play. We’ve tried to build him in the best possible way. He’s definitely going to play in these next few games.”

Chelsea have been highly cautious in managing Lavia’s return and have been reluctant to risk him in a way that might cause a relapse.

Despite his fitness issues, he has been hugely influential in the games he has featured in and is considered a key part of the club’s future plans – as long as he stays fit.

Neither Estevao nor Jamie Gittens are ready to return from their respective injuries against Wrexham, though both are making good progress.

Rosenior said he has enjoyed following the development of Saturday’s opponents via their documentary series ‘Welcome to Wrexham’, which charts the club’s astonishing rise through the divisions under the ownership of Hollywood pair Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac.

Manager Phil Parkinson has led the team from the National League to the Championship in successive seasons and has them well positioned to reach the play-offs as they bid to reach the Premier League.

“I’ve seen a few (episodes),” said Rosenior. “When you see a club grow, develop and come up through the leagues, it’s a great story.

“I think Phil does an incredible job. The position they’re in in the league as well. We know it’s going to be a really difficult game. It’s a club that’s on the rise, there’s a good energy and a good vibe around them.”

Rosenior added that whilst he would be open to a similar fly on the wall show at Chelsea, he is not itching for a starring role.

“I’m alright in this job. I’ll leave the acting to the professionals,” he said.

“To be open with the public about how a football club works, people are interested in it. Hopefully – after the game – it continues for them.”