Romeo Lavia has revealed that Chelsea icon Eden Hazard is playing a key role in his recent performances for the Blues.

The Belgian says he has been talking to his fellow countryman on a regular basis, and he was delighted that Hazard was at Stamford Bridge for the 2-0 win over Manchester United last weekend:

“He’s a very important figure for me. We speak quite a lot. It was good to see him out here, and I could see in his eyes he was happy for me and proud. It gives me that extra motivation.”

Lavia arguably put in his best display of the season so far against United, and he will be keen to build on that versus Sunderland this weekend.

Has the Chelsea midfielder finally overcome his injury issues?

It’s fair to say that Lavia has struggled to justify his £58m price tag since arriving from Southampton in 2023. He has only managed 52 appearances during the 3-plus years he has been at Stamford Bridge, having struggled with various fitness problems.

However, the victory over United was a significant milestone. It was the first time he had completed back-to-back 90 minutes for the Blues, having played against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup just a few days before.

It is definitely too early to say that his injury nightmare is over, but there are promising signs.

Lavia will have to step up in Caicedo’s absence

It is somewhat ironic that the Belgian international is now fit and available, while his midfield partner Moises Caicedo is encountering injuries of his own.

The Ecuadorian is a doubt to face Sunderland. He has already missed six matches this season due to a calf problem.

Manager Xabi Alonso will also be without Joao Pedro, Maxence Lacroix, Reece James and Jamie Gittens for the trip to the Stadium of Light.