Chelsea defender Levi Colwill is sidelined for most of the season after ACL surgery.
Chelsea’s season has been dealt a major setback after Levi Colwill underwent surgery on an anterior cruciate ligament injury, ruling him out for most of the campaign. The 22-year-old was a near ever-present last season, starting 35 of the Blues’ 38 Premier League matches and proving vital not just defensively, but in building attacks from the back.
For coach Enzo Maresca, replacing Colwill is about more than filling a defensive gap — it’s about preserving a tactical heartbeat. “When we build, we build with Levi in the middle,” he explained. “Now Levi is out, and only Tosin [Adarabioyo] can do that job at the same level.”
Despite Maresca’s clear request for a new signing, Chelsea’s hierarchy is prioritising an “internal solution.” Injuries to Wesley Fofana and Benoît Badiashile have further complicated matters, leaving Maresca with limited experienced options.
New signing Jorrel Hato is still adapting, while youngsters Josh Acheampong and Trevoh Chalobah were trialled in Colwill’s role during pre-season wins over Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan. Maresca remains unconvinced they can fully replicate Colwill’s influence.
Chelsea have long admired Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, but face competition from Liverpool. However, with the transfer window’s final two weeks approaching, the club’s recruitment focus is tilted towards attacking reinforcements — including ongoing talks for Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho and RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons.
For now, Maresca’s message remains clear: Chelsea know exactly what he thinks — and he thinks they need a central defender.
