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Romeo Lavia to wait "a few weeks" before Chelsea debut

Romeo Lavia to wait
© Reuters
Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino reveals that summer addition Romeo Lavia will have to wait "a few weeks" to make his debut.

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed that recent addition Romeo Lavia will have to wait "a few weeks" to make his debut.

Lavia completed a £58m move from Southampton last week after Chelsea fought off interest to land the Belgium international.

The 19-year-old was Chelsea's second midfield addition in a matter of days following the arrival of Moises Caicedo from Brighton & Hove Albion for a British-record fee of £115m.

Caicedo experienced a forgettable debut in Sunday's 3-1 defeat to West Ham United, conceding a late penalty in his substitute appearance.

Having seen the Ecuador international in action, Chelsea supporters will also be keen to see Lavia for the first time.

Chelsea's Moises Caicedo pictured on August 20, 2023© Reuters

However, Pochettino has indicated that fans will have to be patient, with the young midfielder currently working his way to full fitness.

Speaking ahead of Friday evening's home meeting with Luton Town, Pochettino told reporters: "Moises is ready to start, Lavia is not."

"After [the fitness coaches] assessed him, he needs a few weeks to be ready to be involved with the team.

"He is reconditioning now and working to try to catch the team and his teammates. For Romeo, we need to wait a few weeks until he is involved with the team."

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino reacts on August 13, 2023© Reuters

Lavia has not played a competitive game this season, and he did not play more than 45 minutes in any of Southampton's pre-season friendlies.

As a result, Lavia is behind his teammates in match fitness and it appears that Chelsea fans may have to wait until after the international break to see him in action.

Pochettino also confirmed that there is no change in Romelu Lukaku's situation, with the forward expected to leave before the end of the transfer window.

While moves to Inter Milan and Juventus failed to materialise, Lukaku could still return to Italy, amid links over a possible loan switch to Roma.

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