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Chelsea's recent victory over Crystal Palace, which ended in a thrilling 2-1, was marked by both high spirits and concerns. The match saw the long-awaited debut of Romeo Lavia, the £58 million summer signing from Southampton.
His introduction to the game just before the hour mark brought tactical changes, with Lavia taking over the defensive midfield role, allowing Conor Gallagher to push further up the pitch.
Lavia's performance was noted for its effectiveness in both defence and moving the ball through midfield, despite being less heavily involved in the game.
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11:36 - 28.12.2023
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As Chelsea navigates through a period of transition under Mauricio Pochettino, the Stamford Bridge faithful find themselves in a familiar state of anticipation and concern.
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11:28 - 28.12.2023
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However, the match wasn't without its setbacks. Lavia, who had been waiting for this moment after a delay due to an ankle injury, suffered another setback.
Lavia injury setback
Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea's manager, expressed concern post-match about Lavia's condition as reported by Nathan Gissing on X, stating, "A little bit worried about Lavia, he finished with some issues, hope that it’s not big issue."
This comes as a worry for Chelsea, as they are already grappling with an injury crisis, and the loss of Lavia so soon after his debut could be a significant blow.
Despite these concerns, the mood in the Chelsea camp remains optimistic. Lavia himself took to social media to express his gratitude and joy at finally making his debut for the club.
He reflected on the tough journey back from his injury and expressed his happiness at being able to play again. His teammates and fans alike have shown support, with many hoping for his quick return to fitness.
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The injury of Lavia adds to the challenges faced by Pochettino, who has been juggling with the fitness issues of key players. Yet, the manager remains hopeful and confident in the squad's progress and the style of play they are developing.
As Chelsea continues to navigate through this season, the focus remains on building team confidence and overcoming the injury challenges that have marred their campaign so far
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