big blow for Enzo Maresca as ‘Brilliant’ Chelsea player will miss Brentford clash

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Chelsea’s Opportunity to Narrow the Premier League Gap

Chelsea has a golden chance to shrink the distance to the Premier League summit to just two points later today.

Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Fulham at Anfield on Saturday has left the door open. Heading into their clash against Brentford tonight, Chelsea sits five points behind the league leaders, but that gap could tighten with a victory.

Injury Concerns for the West London Derby

However, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca might face a selection headache for the west London derby.

Joao Felix and Romeo Lavia Doubtful

Joao Felix has recently suffered an injury, putting his availability in doubt. Adding to the concerns, Romeo Lavia is also a potential absentee due to a minor hamstring strain he picked up last weekend.

Lavia’s Fitness Woes

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During Chelsea’s thrilling 4-3 victory over Tottenham Hotspur last Sunday, Lavia was subbed off as a precaution after feeling some discomfort.

Maresca downplayed the severity of the issue but admitted Lavia hasn’t returned to training since. Given his history with fitness struggles—missing most of the previous season—it’s understandable why the manager is being cautious.

The Impact of Lavia’s Potential Absence

Not having Lavia available for tonight’s match would undoubtedly be a significant setback for Maresca.

Lavia’s Growing Importance to Chelsea

Despite his injury-plagued journey, Romeo Lavia has emerged as a key player for Chelsea this season.

In just nine Premier League appearances, the 20-year-old has showcased his ability to elevate Chelsea’s gameplay, particularly in defensive transitions. His knack for calmly handling pressure near his box and turning it into counterattacks has become invaluable for the team.

Praise from Jamie Carragher

Even in limited action—just 45 minutes against Tottenham—Lavia caught the attention of pundits. Jamie Carragher described the Belgian as “brilliant” in midfield, calling him a “real player.”

This praise isn’t unwarranted; Lavia has consistently proven his worth in Chelsea’s setup. If he misses the Brentford clash, his absence will undoubtedly be felt.

A Decisive Night for Chelsea

As Chelsea prepares for tonight’s match, all eyes will be on their ability to close the gap at the top of the table. While injuries might pose a challenge, the team’s determination and depth will play a crucial role in overcoming these hurdles.

Will Chelsea capitalize on Liverpool’s stumble, or will injuries hinder their progress? The west London derby promises to be an intriguing spectacle.