Chelsea, and Levi Colwill, have suffered a serious blow ahead of the new Premier League season.
The 22-year-old centre-back is ruled out for the majority of the 2025-26 campaign after rupturing his ACL during a pre-season session at their Cobham training ground.
Surgery has been successful, but the typical six-to-twelve month recovery timeline all but ends his season before it even begins.
What is raising eyebrows among fans and pundits alike is Chelsea’s apparent calm in the transfer market.
Despite losing one of their most dependable young defenders, the club has so far not activated any emergency plans to bring in immediate defensive reinforcements.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirms Chelsea are opting to “assess existing defensive options” rather than rushing into signings — a surprising decision given the scale of the problem, and Chelsea's recent transfer record.
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Who could Chelsea play instead of Colwill?
Colwill’s injury leaves Enzo Maresca relying on a patchwork defence featuring Axel Disasi and Benoît Badiashile, both of whom have uncertain roles amid possible exits.
Young defenders like Jorrel Hato, Alfie Gilchrist, and Trevoh Chalobah provide depth but lack consistent top-flight experience, while Wesley Fofana remains sidelined for the time being.
This thin defensive pool has intensified pressure on Chelsea to pursue reinforcements during the transfer window.
While teammates have been quick to publicly support Colwill, offering encouragement and solidarity, the mood among supporters is far more anxious.
Many fear that without urgent action in the transfer window, Chelsea’s defensive frailties could seriously hamper their ambitions this season.
For now, Chelsea remain passive, but with the season looming and defensive resources stretched thin, the pressure to find cover is mounting quickly.
Chelsea news and related links
- Enzo Maresca reveals how new signing will fit into his Chelsea squad
- Chelsea hold firm stance in pursuit of Manchester United outcast
- Enzo Maresca positive injured Chelsea star will be fit for season opener