Chelsea has been dealt a significant blow after defender Levi Colwill sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury during training earlier this week. The setback is expected to rule him out for most of the upcoming campaign.
The club confirmed the 22-year-old underwent a successful operation to repair the damage and will begin his recovery program at Cobham. The injury occurred in his first training session since the team lifted the FIFA Club World Cup trophy. Medical staff advised that surgery was the best treatment option.
The absence of Colwill is a huge loss for a squad preparing for a return to the UEFA Champions League after their UEFA Conference League triumph last season.
Career background and recent impact
Colwill has been with Chelsea since joining at under-9 level, signing his first professional deal in February 2020. He later spent one season each on loan at Huddersfield Town and Brighton and Hove Albion before penning a six-year contract in August 2023. His first senior appearance for the club came that same month in a Premier League defeat to Liverpool.
During the previous season, Colwill featured in 43 matches across all competitions, starting 35 times in the league. Most of his appearances came in the center-back role under head coach Enzo Maresca.
He was named in the starting lineup for five of Chelsea’s six FIFA Club World Cup fixtures, missing only the semi-final due to suspension. Colwill also set up one of the team’s three goals in the final, helping them secure a shock victory over Paris Saint-Germain and claim the world champions title.
Expected absence and defensive options
According to Fabrizio Romano, Colwill is expected to be out for most of next season. As a rough point of reference, Manchester City’s Rodri missed nearly eight months after suffering a similar injury last September, returning to action in May.
In Colwill’s absence, Maresca could turn to Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoît Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, or Trevoh Chalobah. New arrival Jorrel Hato, who has played centrally for Ajax, may also be considered for the position.
