Chelsea are set to take on Real Betis in tonight’s UEFA Europa Conference League final, with the opportunity to lift their first piece of silverware since 2021. But one notable absentee from the matchday squad is midfielder Romeo Lavia, despite his presence in training and travelling with the team to Wroclaw.

The 21-year-old Belgian has been a key figure in Chelsea’s midfield since his return from a persistent hamstring injury in late April, helping Enzo Maresca’s side secure a top-four finish and Champions League qualification with a final day victory over Nottingham Forest.

However, Lavia is ineligible to play in the final—and it’s not because of injury this time. The reason lies in UEFA’s strict squad registration rules.

Why Is Lavia Ineligible?
Lavia was not included in Chelsea’s squad for the knockout stages of the competition. And under UEFA regulations, clubs cannot make changes to their ‘A list’ after it is submitted for the knockout rounds.

While changes to the ‘B list’ are allowed up until midnight the day before the game, Lavia is also not eligible for the B list, which is reserved for players:
• Born after January 1, 2004, and
• Who have been with the club for at least two uninterrupted years.
Although Lavia meets the age requirement (born January 6, 2004), he only joined Chelsea on August 18, 2023, and therefore has not spent the required two years at the club to qualify.

Who Else Misses Out?
Lavia isn’t the only Chelsea player ruled out. Also travelling with the team but ineligible for selection are:
• Marcus Bettinelli (reserve goalkeeper),
• Wesley Fofana (long-term injury),
• Aaron Anselmino (not registered).
While fans may be disappointed not to see Lavia feature, his inclusion in the travelling party and training sessions is a strong sign of his growing importance in the squad—and of Chelsea’s long-term plans for the young midfielder.

As Chelsea look to cap off a season of resurgence with European silverware, all eyes will now turn to those eligible to make the difference on the pitch tonight in Wroclaw.