Chelsea’s injury woes continue! Mauricio Pochettino confirms Romeo Lavia thigh problem after 30-minute debut against Crystal Palace

The £58 million ($74m) summer arrival made a long-awaited debut as a second-half substitute as the Blues laboured to a 2-1 win on Wednesday night. Though Lavia played his part in the victory, manager Mauricio Pochettino expressed an element of concern after the game that the Belgian may have suffered an injury. According to DiMarzio's Nathan Gissing, this issue is thought to involve the midfielder's thigh.

“I’m a little bit worried about Romeo Lavia,” Pochettino told reporters after the match. “He finished with some issues, but I hope it's not a big issue”.

A further absence for Lavia would come as a frustration for the player and a further blow to Chelsea in a season riddled by injuries. The midfielder's debut along with fellow summer signing Christopher Nkunku's first start were welcome news after the recent loss of captain Reece James for several months. Pochettino will be hoping for some positive news when Lavia's thigh is assessed by the club's medical staff.

It's a quick turnaround for the Blues in a typically busy festive schedule with a Saturday trip to a Luton Town side, who are proving tough to beat inspired in no small part by the resurgence of former Chelsea Ross Barkley.