Lavia has suffered a series of setbacks since signing for the Blues in the summer of 2023. But he played 22 games last season and, following a muscle problem sustained at the Club World Cup, made his return this time around as a substitute against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Maresca confirmed the Belgian midfielder is available to face Liverpool tomorrow, but underlined the importance of carefully managing the 21-year-old's return to action in an attempt to avoid a repeat of what has happened in the past.

‘Romeo is ready to play,’ said Maresca during his pre-match press conference. ‘With Romeo we are trying to do exactly the same as we have done with Wes [Fofana] and with Reece.

'We are now in a much better position with both of them. Unfortunately, at this moment, Wes is out but not for any physical problem, just the concussion [he sustained] against Lincoln City.

‘The target for Romeo is to help him and bring him to the same condition as Wes and Reece, where they can play games.

'You can see now Reece is playing more games without problems. Hopefully, we can do the same with Romeo.’