Romeo Lavia sends 'frustrated' message to Chelsea fans after crushing injury update
- Lavia will miss the rest of the season after a fresh setback in his quest to return from injury
- Summer signing has played just 32 minutes in all competitions this year
- Belgium international wrote to Chelsea fans after the news was confirmed
By Tom Gott
Romeo Lavia has vowed to give his all to return to action soon after Chelsea confirmed the midfielder will miss the rest of the season.
A £58m signing from Southampton during the summer, Lavia arrived at Chelsea unfit before picking up an ankle injury which kept him sidelined until December.
Lavia made his Chelsea debut with a 32-minute appearance off the bench against Crystal Palace on December 27, after which he was ruled out with a nasty hamstring injury which has kept him sidelined ever since.
Chelsea confirmed on Wednesday that a fresh setback had officially ruled Lavia out for the remainder of the season.
"As you may know, despite my countless efforts, I will be missing the remainder of the season," Lavia wrote on social media.
"This has been a frustrating season for me, not being able to help my teammates.
"I love this squad, this badge and being on the pitch more than anything. Trust that I have given my all everyday to be back.
"Thank you for the love, support and criticism because they all affect me positively and keep me going. I can't wait to give it back and share many special moments together. See you soon."
Lavia has been a near-permanent fixture on a long injury list which has plagued Mauricio Pochettino this season. Fellow summer signing Lesley Ugochukwu has also missed a significant spell, leaving the boss with just Enzo Fernandez, Conor Gallagher and Moises Caicedo as recognised central midfielders.
To combat the limited depth available to him, Pochettino declined to turn to his academy and instead brought Cesare Casadei back from his loan with Leicester City. The Italian has been handed a total of 17 minutes across three Premier League appearances since his return in January.