Chelsea fear a long layoff for midfielder Romeo Lavia after the Belgium international suffered an ankle injury on Friday during training, according to Evening Standard.

The report states: “Chelsea fear Romeo Lavia will be sidelined for an extended period after the midfielder’s suspected ankle injury was assessed on Friday.

“The Belgian teenager picked up the knock during a training session at Cobham on Thursday.

“Lavia, who was signed by Chelsea under the noses of Liverpool this summer in a deal worth up to £58million, is yet to make his debut for the Blues having arrived lacking match fitness.

“It is another blow for manager Mauricio Pochettino, who has endured a string of injuries to players since his appointment at the beginning of the summer.”