Xabi Alonso confirms Chelsea midfielder is available for Hull City game
September 12, 2026 01:33
Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has confirmed that midfielder Romeo Lavia is available for the Premier League match against Hull City at Stamford Bridge tomorrow. Lavia missed Chelsea’s midweek Carabao Cup tie with Leeds United as part of a load-management approach linked to his injury history, but Alonso said the Belgian is fit to play.
Chelsea had beaten Leeds 6-3 in that Carabao Cup third-round game; Lavia did not feature in that match.
KEY CONTEXT
- Hull City have made a strong start since promotion, collecting seven points from their opening three league fixtures.
- According to the source, Hull remain the only Premier League side yet to concede a goal this season.
- The report also notes Chelsea’s recent goal-scoring form, highlighted by the six-goal cup victory over Leeds.
WHY IT MATTERS
Lavia’s return removes a selection doubt in Chelsea’s midfield ahead of a game against an in-form, defensively unbeaten Hull side. That combination — a midfielder restored to availability versus an unexpectedly resilient promoted team — frames the contest as a key early-season test for both clubs.
NOTE ON OPINION
The source expresses the view that Chelsea should be favourites to halt Hull’s run and win by a large margin; that is an assessment in the report, not a confirmed outcome.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether Alonso names Lavia in the starting XI or uses him from the bench.
- If Hull’s defensive record (no goals conceded so far) survives a meeting with Chelsea’s in-form attackers.
- The match at Stamford Bridge tomorrow will settle those questions.
KEY FACTS
- Xabi Alonso confirmed Romeo Lavia is available for Chelsea’s game against Hull City.
- Lavia was rested for the Carabao Cup win over Leeds due to load management related to his injury record.
- Chelsea beat Leeds United 6-3 in the Carabao Cup third round.
- Hull have seven points from three Premier League matches and, per the report, are the only team yet to concede.