Why Romeo Lavia isn't included in Chelsea Champions League squad as decision explained

Romeo Lavia of Chelsea (Image: AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Chelsea's confirmation of their Champions League squad list on Wednesday raised some questions.

The Blues will compete in the competition for the first time since the new format was introduced last season.

Enzo Maresca's side go into the tournament as Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup winners and will have confidence going into the league phase of the competition.

The Champions League will get underway after the international break, and Chelsea confirmed their squad for the tournament earlier this week.

One name was notably missing from the 23-player list that was submitted by Chelsea to UEFA. Romeo Lavia was not included in the list, but the midfielder will still be able to feature in the competition.

This is due to Lavia being eligible to be named in Chelsea's B list for the Champions League this season, meaning he does not need to take up a spot in the A list, which was confirmed by the Blues on Wednesday.

Lavia is eligible to be named on the B list for Chelsea in the Champions League due to being born after January 1, 2004, and having been at Stamford Bridge for at least two uninterrupted seasons or three years in total since he turned 15.

As a result, Lavia will be eligible to feature for Chelsea after being named on the club's B list. He is also joined by Tyrique George and Josh Acheampong on the B list for the Blues in the Ch ampions League this season.

Chelsea will begin their Champions League campaign with a clash away at Bayern Munich on September 17. That will be followed by a home opener against Benfica less than two weeks later on September 30.