The midfielder has been sidelined since suffering a thigh injury early on in our UEFA Champions League fixture away in Azerbaijan against Qarabag, when he was forced off after eight minutes in a 2-2 league-phase draw in November.

Blues head coach Liam Rosenior has discussed how Lavia is being carefully managed to try to ensure that when the 22-year-old returns to action, he does not suffer another injury setback.

The Belgian international has been involved in first-team training over the past fortnight and took a significant step on his journey to full fitness this afternoon at Cobham.

Lavia was in the Chelsea Under-21s starting line-up as we hosted Leeds United at Cobham in the Premier League 2, with Rosenior and many of Lavia's team-mates from the senior side, including Levi Colwill, Liam Delap, Cole Palmer and Tosin Adarabioyo, crossing the road at our training ground to watch him in action.

The 22-year-old completed the first 45 minutes before being withdrawn at half-time, putting in a strong showing on his return.

Lavia left the pitch with the Blues leading by a single goal. Genesis Antwi was the creator, as his low cross was turned into his own net by Leeds defender Jacob Howard.

Shumaira Mheuka doubled our advantage in the second period with his 20th Academy goal of the season, but Leeds responded and netted twice in the final 30 minutes to earn a share of the points.

However, the draw was enough for the Blues to move to the top of the Premier League 2 table.