The Belgium national team will follow Chelsea’s lead in managing Romeo Lavia’s minutes for the remainder of the international break.
The midfielder has struggled for fitness since joining Chelsea from Southampton in 2023, such that he is yet to play a full 90 minutes of competitive football for the Blues.
He has made a bright start to this campaign, though, featuring regularly at club level as he enjoys a run of form and fitness.
Lavia then got the nod in midfield as Belgium faced France last time out, making his full senior debut for his nation in doing so.
Concerns for his fitness were sparked after he limped off late on, but it was later confirmed he had simply been suffering from cramp. Michael Olise hit the streaked through the centre of the park to score the only goal of the match moments after the Chelsea man’s withdrawal.
Lavia will not be able to reprise his role in midfield as Belgium host Turkey on Friday evening, though, as Belgium look to manage his minutes.
"Romeo came on as a substitute against Italy and played 85 minutes against France,” head coach Marc van Bommel explained.
“He did a fantastic job. You can already assume that I won't be starting him.
“Chelsea are being cautious with him, and so are we. We want to make optimal use of his qualities.”
After hosting Turkey, Belgium round out this international break by visiting France on Monday. It remains to be seen whether Lavia will be involved in either fixture before returning to Chelsea.
