Chelsea player who had major issues says he is “confident in his body” | OneFootball

Chelsea surprised everyone with the strong team they picked against LAFC in the first game of the club World Cup. Romeo Lavia started the game and played 45 minutes, but as he explained to the club’s official website, it was just a question of managing his minutes.

Lavia confirms “no physical issue” as he stays fit

Romeo Lavia in midfield against LAFC. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)

“It was just about managing minutes,” Lavia said.

“There’s no physical issue or anything. I feel very good, confident in my body and in what we can achieve as well.”

After missing his whole first season at Chelsea injured, he worked his way back in the second half of last season, but still never played more than 90 minutes a week. Asked if he was trying to build up to that, the Belgian said he was “not thinking too far ahead.”

“It’s just about taking each game as it comes and then doing everything possible to stay fit, and playing as many games as possible. It’s definitely something I’m aware of, so I do everything possible to stay fit. Honestly, the injuries I have had before, I just want to put them behind me and look forward to the future and feeling good.”

Added competition helps Lavia to keep minutes steady

The good news for Lavia is that the arrival of Dario Essugo and Andrey Santos means a lot more strength in midfield and less need for him to ever push himself to dangerous levels.

But it also means competition for minutes – and he was asked how he felt about that:

“It’s what is needed for a club of this level, so it’s all healthy. We all have great connections together. It’s just about doing our best every day, and then the head coach must decide who he wants to pick, but all the players are going to be ready.”