Cole Palmer a doubt for Chelsea and Romeo Lavia close to fitness

In spite of coming on as a substitute in the Brighton & Hove Albion win, Cole Palmer could be a doubt for Chelsea’s visit to Manchester United. One report claims that Palmer’s return date is unknown at present. However, injured midfielder Romeo Lavia is now coming close to full fitness. Though the Belgian is only likely to be an understudy to Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo in the middle for big games. Unless the Blues maintain their dual cup status, Lavia will probably merely feature as a Premier League backup athlete for now.

Even though Palmer was involved for 24 minutes against Brighton, his comeback date for the starting XI is up for debate according to The Standard:

"Cole Palmer has hit the ground running at Chelsea but missed [the start of] the Brighton win due to a knock picked up in training.Potential return date: Unknown"

Romeo Lavia’s return is expected soon but The Pride of London does not expect to see him that much this season regardless

Chelsea Football Club’s designs for world-class pairing Fernandez and Caicedo to be an integral combined core for the Blues for years to come is no secret. The international duo, one a World Cup-winner, have respective contracts which last until 2031 and 2032, reportedly. I contend that CFC as an organisation, regardless who is managing, wish to firmly establish the pair.

There is ample time for Lavia to develop, however. And there is absolutely no doubting his quality as a top echelon prospect. But some don’t make it to the pinnacle with elite clubs. Others make the decision not to hang around biding their time for a superstar to become injured or leave the outfit. Time will tell for Lavia, too.

Anyway, Lavia is worth investing in for the Blues, as they have done quite drastically financially. But when will the ex-Southampton footballer actually play for Chels? Lavia is possibly further away than the imminent Nkunku. Yet the 19-year-old is ‘closing in‘ on featuring.