Enzo Maresca unsure when injured Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia will return to action

Lavia, who joined Chelsea from Southampton in 2023, has struggled to stay fit across his three seasons at Stamford Bridge.

The 21-year-old has made only 30 appearances for the Blues, and his latest injury, sustained in last month's Europa League meeting with Qarabag, has added to the frustration. Early estimates suggested a lay-off of at least a month, but his recovery remains uncertain.

Maresca confirmed the situation remained open-ended when speaking in Friday's pre-match press conference.

"It's a muscular problem, and we don't know yet when he can be back," he said. When pressed on whether the issue was short or long term, he replied: "We don't know."

Chelsea have been stretched in midfield during Lavia's absence. Moises Caicedo is suspended, while Dario Essugo is still unavailable. The lack of natural options has forced Maresca to use both Reece James and Malo Gusto in central roles in recent weeks, highlighting the impact of Lavia's continued unavailability.

Maresca has repeatedly praised the Belgian's influence when fit, noting that his calmness and control "give Chelsea a different dimension" in the middle of the pitch.

Chelsea travel to the Vitality Stadium needing a response after Wednesday's 3-1 defeat to Leeds. Bournemouth are winless in their last five matches, but Andoni Iraola's side remain difficult to break down at home. Chelsea's record on the south coast in recent seasons has been strong, although Maresca warned his players cannot rely on history.

The Premier League table remains tight, with only three points separating Chelsea in fourth from Everton in tenth. Maresca said the team "cannot afford to drift" as the race for Champions League places begins to intensify in December.

Chelsea, short on numbers and in need of momentum, now face a significant test, and once again, they will have to tackle it without Romeo Lavia.