Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has been given a timely boost ahead of this weekend’s Premier League fixture against Brentford, as key duo Romeo Lavia and Benoît Badiashile have returned to first-team training.
Both players were spotted at Cobham on Monday, participating in group training sessions as they continue their recovery from lengthy injury setbacks.
Lavia, who joined Chelsea from Southampton two years ago has been sidelined since June after suffering a muscle injury during the Club World Cup clash against Benfica. The young Belgian midfielder has endured a frustrating spell at Stamford Bridge, struggling with fitness issues that have limited his game time since arriving at the club.
Meanwhile, French defender Badiashile has yet to feature for the Blues this season due to a persistent niggle. His absence has been felt in Chelsea’s defensive line, with Maresca relying heavily on Tosin Adarabioyo and Trevor Chalobah in recent months.
The sight of both players back in training will come as welcome news for Maresca, who is looking to build momentum as Chelsea continue their domestic campaign.
While it remains uncertain if either will be fit enough to start against Brentford, their progress signals that they could soon be available for selection in upcoming matches.
With the majority of Chelsea’s first-team regulars currently away on international duty, Monday’s session featured a blend of returning players and those working on fitness. Alongside Lavia and Badiashile, the likes of Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Enzo Fernández, and summer signing Alejandro Garnacho were also pictured taking part.
Chelsea travel to face Brentford this weekend looking to strengthen their position in the league table, and the potential reintegration of Lavia and Badiashile could provide Maresca with much-needed depth as the season enters a crucial phase.
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