Savage Pochettino blow with new Chelsea signing already injured before playing first game

Chelsea have been handed a big setback as new signing Romeo Lavia has picked up an injury in training, according to one journalist.

Chelsea were engaged in a summer transfer battle with Liverpool for both Lavia and his midfield counterpart Moises Caicedo. Despite Liverpool submitting significant bids for both players, they incredibly ended up joining Chelsea instead.

The Blues smashed their transfer record by spending an initial £100million on Caicedo, though the deal could rise to £115m through add-ons. They also spent £58m when landing Lavia from Southampton, with the Belgian aiming to challenge Caicedo for his starting spot.

So far, Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has opted to select Enzo Fernandez and Caicedo in central midfield, while also using Conor Gallagher in there on occasion.

On August 24, Pochettino revealed that Chelsea fans would have to wait several weeks to see Lavia in action as he is behind his team-mates in terms of match fitness.

Due to this stance, Lavia has yet to make his Chelsea debut. But there is now concern that he will not play for a prolonged period of time.

As per Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, the 19-year-old has picked up an injury in Chelsea training ‘today’ (Friday). The injury ‘could be a muscle tear’ near the ankle, Tavolieri claims.

If the injury is confirmed by Chelsea, then Lavia could be out of action for several months, given the nature of the issue. Ankle problems are notoriously hard to recover from.

The Manchester City academy graduate is not the only recent Chelsea arrival to suffer an injury. Attacker Christopher Nkunku will be out for several months after undergoing surgery on a knee problem.

Other players currently recovering from injury include captain Reece James, Wesley Fofana and Carney Chukwuemeka.

Meanwhile, Chelsea remain interested in signing an electric star even though he recently penned a new contract, according to reports.