Lavia nursing hamstring problem but is tipped to play against Spurs

Romeo Lavia did not feature in Chelsea’s pre-season friendly against Western Sydney Wanderers because of concerns about a hamstring injury, says boss Xabi Alonso.

Lavia’s Blues career has been blighted by various injuries and the midfielder is yet to complete a full 90 minutes for the club since he joined in August 2023.

Lavia was due to feature against the Australian side in the first game of the pre-season tour – and the first game in charge for new head coach Alonso.

But Alonso said Lavia “felt something in the hamstring”.

The Spaniard added: “It’s not a big thing and, hopefully, we are expecting him to be fit for Saturday (against Tottenham).

‘But there was no point in taking risks today, which is why Reggie Watson played 90 minutes and did well.”