“Automatically out” – Pochettino confirms Chelsea star will miss Carabao Cup final against Liverpool
Romeo Lavia will not be available for Chelsea’s Carabao Cup final match against Liverpool on February 25, according to Mauricio Pochettino’s confirmation.
The Belgian midfield player, who paid £53 million to join from Southampton in the Championship last summer, has had a difficult time in west London. Soon after moving to Stamford Bridge, he sustained an ankle ailment, and a hamstring strain that has prevented him from playing since late December.
Lavia has only played one game for Chelsea thus far, playing 32 minutes in the team’s December 27 2-1 league victory over Crystal Palace. During his most recent pre-game news conference, Pochettino was questioned about whether the midfield player—a summer transfer target for Liverpool—could play against the Reds at Wembley.
The Argentine replied (h/t Football.London):
“No. He is not training with the team. He is still recovering. But no, no, impossible. Still not on the pitch.”
Lavia, 20, made 34 appearances across competitions for the Saints during the solitary season he spent on their books. Before that, he spent two years at Manchester City but mustered just two appearances under Pep Guardiola.