Chelsea handed unexpected midfielder boost ahead of squad announcement

Chelsea have received an unexpected boost as midfielder Romeo Lavia picked up a suspension that will limit his playing time during November's international break. Lavia received his second yellow card of the UEFA Nations League campaign during Belgium's match against France on Monday evening, triggering an automatic one-match ban.

The disciplinary suspension rules the 22-year-old out of Belgium's upcoming fixture against Turkey on November 12. Consequently, Chelsea and manager Xabi Alonso will benefit from reduced workloads for the midfielder, who is managing his fitness following previous injury problems.