Chelsea Faces Significant Setback as Levi Colwill Sits Out with ACL Injury

In a major blow ahead of the new Premier League season, Chelsea defender Levi Colwill has been ruled out for several months following an ACL tear sustained during the team’s first training session back after the summer break.

The 22-year-old player incurred the injury in the final minutes of Chelsea’s opening training session of 2025-26, after a three-week absence post-Club World Cup. A subsequent scan confirmed the severity of the injury, leading to an immediate decision for surgery.

Although his operation was successful, Colwill will be unavailable for a lengthy period, joining other top players like Tottenham’s James Maddison, who also recently suffered a ruptured ACL. Colwill was a key figure for Chelsea last season, starting in most Premier League matches and helping the club secure titles in the Conference League and the Club World Cup.

The club is now evaluating options to strengthen their defense, with interest in Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, a 25-year-old whose contract expires next year and is valued at around £40 million. Chelsea previously sold Guehi to Palace for £18 million during the club’s new ownership era under Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.

First-team coach Enzo Maresca expressed concern over Colwill’s injury, stating, “We don’t know how long he will be out. It’s a problem for us. I spoke with him yesterday, and he was a vital part of our success last season.”

Levi Colwill (centre) sustained a season-ending ACL injury during his first training session back with Chelsea after the break

The defender has played a key role and helped Chelsea win the recent Club World Cup