Chelsea fans have every reason to feel a surge of optimism this week as the club received a significant double injury boost ahead of their crucial Premier League fixture at Brentford. After months on the sidelines, both Romeo Lavia and Benoit Badiashile were finally pictured back in first-team training, raising hopes for their imminent return to action. The sight of the pair on the Cobham pitches has injected a fresh wave of enthusiasm into the camp, even as much of the squad remains scattered on international duty.
For Romeo Lavia, this moment has been a long time coming. The Belgian midfielder has endured a frustrating spell since suffering a muscle problem during Chelsea’s Club World Cup victory over Benfica in June 2025. That injury capped a run of bad luck for Lavia, who was forced to sit out the entire 2023/24 campaign after a devastating hamstring injury in his debut against Crystal Palace. It’s been a stop-start journey for the 21-year-old, who has yet to feature this season and missed all of pre-season preparations. But now, with his return to the training ground, there’s a real sense that Lavia could soon be back in the mix—though the club is determined to manage his recovery with utmost caution.
Benoit Badiashile’s story runs parallel. The French defender has not played a single minute in the 2025-2026 campaign, dogged by an undisclosed niggle that also originated during that fateful clash with Benfica. Like Lavia, Badiashile’s absence has been keenly felt, especially with Chelsea’s defensive resources stretched by the absence of Levi Colwill. But the sight of Badiashile back in group drills, moving freely alongside his teammates, is a timely boost for manager Enzo Maresca, who will be hoping for a speedy return to full match fitness for the 24-year-old.
Both players were among a small cohort at Cobham this week, as the bulk of Chelsea’s first-team squad is away representing their countries. Training photos from Monday and Tuesday showed Lavia and Badiashile working alongside Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Enzo Fernandez, and the club’s high-profile summer signing Alejandro Garnacho. It’s a group that reflects both the club’s depth and the challenges Maresca has faced since taking over at Stamford Bridge.
With the Premier League calendar relentless as ever, Chelsea’s medical staff are taking a cautious approach with both Lavia and Badiashile. According to reports, it appears unlikely either will be rushed back into action for the trip to Brentford on Saturday night. The coaching staff are keen to avoid setbacks, especially given Lavia’s fragile injury history and the importance of Badiashile’s role in the backline. The hope is that both will be available for selection in the coming weeks, once they’ve built up sufficient match fitness and confidence.
Manager Enzo Maresca addressed the club’s injury woes after Chelsea’s recent 2-0 victory over Fulham, stating, “I said before the season started that, unfortunately, I don’t have any answer, because it’s the first time that you have a competition during the summer, so you don’t know. I don’t know. Not me, no sports science, not any doctor can help us to say we’re going to have this problem or this problem. We don’t know. It’s something new and, unfortunately, it happened. I said yesterday in the press conference, I think it’s not random that Levi [Colwill], Moises [Caicedo], Cole [Palmer], and Liam [picked up knocks]. It is what it is.” (as reported by Metro Sport)
The injury situation has forced Maresca to dig deep into his squad. With Dario Essugo—another summer signing—emerging as a doubt for the Brentford match after picking up a knock on Portugal Under-21 duty, and Moises Caicedo missing Ecuador’s recent clash with Paraguay, the midfield options are looking thin. In this context, the return of Lavia is particularly timely, even if Saturday’s game comes a bit too soon for his competitive comeback. There’s growing expectation that young Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos, who has impressed in cameo appearances, could be handed a bigger role in the engine room this weekend.
Meanwhile, Chelsea fans are eager to see the club’s new faces in action. Alejandro Garnacho, a dynamic winger who arrived from Manchester United, and Facundo Buonanotte, signed from Brighton, are both in line for potential debuts against Brentford. Their integration into the squad could offer a fresh attacking dimension as the Blues look to maintain their strong start to the season.
Chelsea currently sit second in the Premier League table, a position earned through resilience and a recent upturn in form. After a disappointing goalless draw with Crystal Palace, Maresca’s men rebounded with convincing wins over London rivals West Ham and Fulham. The squad’s ability to adapt and grind out results despite a mounting injury list has been a testament to the Italian manager’s tactical flexibility and the depth of talent at his disposal.
Badiashile’s return to training is especially significant for Chelsea’s defensive stability. With Levi Colwill sidelined, the Frenchman’s experience and composure could prove invaluable in the weeks ahead. His last appearance for the Blues came in the 4-1 victory over Benfica in the Club World Cup, and fans will be hoping he can rediscover that form as soon as he’s given the green light to return.
Lavia’s journey, on the other hand, has been one of perseverance. The Belgian’s technical ability and tenacity in midfield have been sorely missed, and his presence could provide the balance and control that Chelsea have sometimes lacked in the center of the park. Still, the coaching staff are adamant about not rushing his comeback, aware that a premature return could risk another setback.
With the Premier League season now in full swing and the fixtures coming thick and fast, Chelsea’s ability to manage player fitness and squad rotation will be crucial. The club’s medical and sports science teams are working overtime to ensure that returning stars like Lavia and Badiashile are fully prepared for the rigors of top-flight football.
As anticipation builds for the Brentford clash, all eyes will be on Maresca’s team selection and the potential debutants. The manager is expected to provide further updates on player fitness and availability in his pre-match press conference later this week. For now, Chelsea fans can take heart in the knowledge that two key players are edging closer to a return—just in time for a pivotal stretch of the season.
While Saturday’s fixture may come a little too soon for Lavia and Badiashile, their return to training is a sign that Chelsea’s injury crisis may finally be easing. With new signings ready to make their mark and the squad regaining strength, the Blues look well placed to continue their pursuit of Premier League glory. The coming weeks promise plenty of intrigue, and supporters will be watching closely as the club’s fortunes unfold.
