I like Club World Cup individual walk ons - Lavia

Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia says he likes the Club World Cup individual walkouts as he bids to overcome his injury issues.

The 21-year-old started the 2-0 win over Los Angeles FC in Chelsea's opening match of the newly expanded tournament in the United States.

Before kick-off, as with the other matches at Fifa's tournament, each individual player was announced and walked out separately at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

When asked about the experience, Lavia said he liked it: "I think it's something special and new for us. It's a first for us. I enjoyed it. Why not bring it to the Premier League?"

He added: "I mean, it's a bit of a showbiz thing, isn't it? I quite like it. The only difference is [if we did it in the Premier League], we might get a bit cold because once you're out there, you have to wait for maybe the other players.

"But apart from that, it was good. I guess we always learn new things from international tournaments and that's what makes it special."

Defender Tosin Adarabioyo also spoke of the entrances and laughed as he said: "It's something new! We buy into it. We've not done it before so it's a new experience for us all."

Lavia faces new competition after Chelsea signed Dario Essugo from Sporting while also recalling another midfielder in Andrey Santos from his successful loan spell at Strasbourg.

"It's what is needed for the club of this level, so it's all healthy," said Lavia.

"We all have great connections together. It's just about doing our best every day, and then the manager must decide who he wants to pick, but all the players are going to be ready."

But Lavia also needs to improve on his fitness record having made just one substitute appearance in his first season at Stamford Bridge and a further 19 appearances this season, meaning he has missed more matches than he has been available for.

Lavia was then asked whether he hopes to ever emulate Moises Caicedo's feat of starting in all 38 Premier League matches and said: "I'm doing everything possible to stay fit, and playing as many games as possible.

"I think the biggest 'credit' a footballer can have is to be available. It's definitely something I'm aware of.

"So I do everything possible to stay fit. Honestly, all the injuries I have had before, I just want to put them behind me and look forward to the future feeling good. So I don't know why I should be thinking about the injuries."