Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has revealed that Romeo Lavia suffered an injury setback ahead of the 6-2 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Blues produced a free-scoring display to claim a commanding victory in Sunday's clash with Gary O'Neil's side at Molineux.
Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer got on the scoresheet in the first half, before Noni Madueke netted a 14-minute hat-trick in the second period.
Portugal international Joao Felix came off the bench to score on his second Chelsea debut, taking the tally to six in the club's first Premier League win of the season.
While the players on the pitch made a positive impact, Lavia was a notable absentee from the matchday squad after featuring in the last two competitive matches.
Maresca explains Lavia absence
Speaking ahead of the dominant win, Maresca revealed that the Belgium international was unable to feature due to a minor hamstring issue.
Maresca told reporters: "He has a small problem with his hamstring, an irritation but nothing that is a major problem. It's nothing serious but one that we didn't want to risk."
The midfielder will be hoping to make a swift recovery after experiencing a frustrating start to life as a Chelsea player.
Lavia, who completed a £58m move from Southampton last summer, was restricted to just one appearance in his first season due to persistent injury issues.
Who else missed the Wolves win?
In addition to Lavia, Chelsea were also without the services of Reece James for the trip to the Midlands, with the England international currently sidelined with a hamstring issue and through suspension.
The Blues are being cautious with the full-back's recovery, and he is not expected to feature before the upcoming international break.
While Chelsea were contending with a couple of injury absentees, they also left out left-back Ben Chilwell and winger Raheem Sterling for the away clash with Wolves.
Chilwell and Sterling have both been deemed surplus to requirements and could be moved on before the summer transfer deadline. body check tags ::
