CWC: Lavia out of Chelsea squad to face Fluminense, confirms Maresca

Chelsea will be without one of their key players Romeo Lavia ahead of their Club World Cup semi-final clash against Fluminense on Tuesday.

Manager Enzo Maresca confirming that the midfielder will miss the tie due to a muscle injury.

Lavia sustained the injury during Chelsea’s Round of 16 win over Benfica and subsequently sat out the quarter-final victory against Palmeiras.

Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Maresca revealed the 21-year-old Belgian is still not fully fit.

“Romeo is training already but is unfortunately not training with us, so he is not ready for tomorrow,” Maresca stated.

Lavia’s absence is a blow to Chelsea’s midfield options as they prepare to face the Brazilian side.

Winners of the encounter will secure a place in the Club World Cup final to hold on Sunday, 13 July, at the MetLife stadium.