Chelsea’s defender Levi Colwill has undergone surgery following a significant knee injury and is projected to miss the majority of the season. The 22-year-old sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during his initial training session after the Club World Cup on Tuesday. Subsequent scans confirmed the injury, leading to the operation.
ACL injuries often necessitate a recovery period of six to nine months, which poses a considerable challenge for Chelsea as they navigate the season without Colwill. Last season, he was a crucial member of the squad, participating in 35 of their 38 Premier League matches as the team secured a spot in the Champions League. Colwill also contributed significantly in the Conference League final and the Club World Cup, where Chelsea captured their first two major trophies under the current ownership.
In discussing the team’s options moving forward, Maresca acknowledged Colwill’s importance by stating, “If we achieve what we achieved last year, it is also because of him – and he was a main player for us.” He indicated that the decision on whether to recruit another defender will depend on the team’s situation in the coming weeks.
Chelsea will rely on their available defensive resources, which include new signing Jorrel Hato, alongside Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, and Josh Acheampong, to fill the gap left by Colwill’s absence.
This situation also highlights the depth of Chelsea’s squad and their ability to adapt in challenging circumstances. With several talented defenders ready to step up, there remains hope that the team can continue to perform at a high level despite the setback.