Chelsea have been hit with a fresh injury worry after Mike Penders was left out of Belgium’s squad to face France on Monday.
The highly-rated young shot-stopper was reported to have suffered a quad injury in training this weekend, though the Belgian media claimed it was a minor problem and he was not set to exit the national team camp.
He did not feature in the matchday squad for Monday’s defeat by France, though, sparking further concerns regarding his fitness. It remains to be seen whether he will be involved in teh Red Devils’ subsequent two Nations League fixtures, one against Turkey and the rematch with France.
That was not the extent of Chelsea’s headaches on the night. Romeo Lavia got the nod in midfield, but limped off in the 80th minute after appearing to pull up.
Lavia’s nascent career has been defined by repeated injury woes. He is yet to complete a full 90 minutes of competitive football for Chelsea, three years after signing for the club, but has been a regular fixture under Xabi Alonso thus far this season.
His fine Premier League form saw him pick up a Belgium call-up for this international break, and he made his full senior debut as the Red Devils faced France in Brussels on Monday.
Lavia put in an impressive shift in midfield as the two sides contested a tight game, comprising one half of an impressive pivot with Youri Tielemans.
It seemed his evening had ended on a sour note as he came off with an apparent injury, but it has since been reported he was simply suffering from cramp.
Speaking at full-time, Lavia told Dutch broadcaster VTM: “Pride and disappointment are the main feelings tonight. I am proud because this was my first start. The atmosphere was fantastic as well. But I am disappointed because we did not get the three points.”
