Chelsea Contemplates Debut for Romeo Lavia as Mauricio Pochettino Issues Squad Warning Amid Frustration

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino may give Romeo Lavia his first game for the team against Wolverhampton Wanderers, but he has cautioned his squad about expectations on returning from injury. He stressed that only those in peak condition and form would play.

Nineteen-year-old Lavia, purchased from Southampton for £53 million, is set to potentially debut after seven months without competitive play. Pochettino emphasized the necessity for hard training to regain peak performance levels.

Noni Madueke and Lesley Ugochukwu are now fully fit for Chelsea, and Christopher Nkunku debuted in Chelsea's recent Carabao Cup victory. Nonetheless, Pochettino noted that recently injured players shouldn't anticipate immediate starting roles, emphasizing the team's need to prioritize winning and readiness to compete.

The manager expressed frustration with the impatience surrounding player game time, reminding that football is not a charity and the focus is on those best prepared to help the team succeed.

Enzo Fernandez is unlikely to play on Sunday due to a hernia, while team captain Reece James is recovering from hamstring surgery. Pochettino could not confirm the duration of James' absence but hopes it will be less than four months.