Enzo Maresca explains Romeo Lavia’s absence after Chelsea star is left out of squad against Wolves
ROMEO LAVIA missed the trip to Wolves due to a hamstring injury, Enzo Maresca confirmed.
The Belgian youngster, 20, played just once in the entirety of his debut season at Stamford Bridge due to a series of injuries.
Romeo Lavia’s injury woes have struck again with a hamstring strainGetty
He started the 2-0 opening-weekend defeat to Manchester City, playing 67 minutes alongside Moises Caicedo before being replaced by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
Lavia then came on for the final six minutes against Servette in Conference League qualifying.
But his injury woes returned and the crocked £58million star was ruled out of today’s clash away at Wolves.
Manager Maresca revealed: “Romeo has a small hamstring issue but not a huge concern.”
Carney Chukwuemeka also missed out on the matchday squad at Molineux amid reports linking him with a transfer exit.
New signing Joao Felix is involved following his permanent switch from Atletico Madrid.
However, he must settle for a place on the bench alongside fellow Portuguese stars Renato Veiga and Pedro Neto.
Neto left Wolves for Chelsea this summer in a £54m but was given a warm reception by the home fans when he got off the bus on his return.
It meant Maresca opted for skipper Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo in midfield – with the ex-Brighton man dropping into a deeper role to fill the Lavia’s spot.
Noni Madueke started on the right – following his X-rated assessment of Wolverhampton on social media – with Mykhailo Mudryk on the left.
Cole Palmer supported striker Nicolas Jackson – meaning Christopher Nkunku dropped to the bench.
Maresca stuck with a back four of Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill and Marc Cucurella in front of goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
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