Chelsea FC is reeling from a devastating blow as their star centre-back, Levi Colwill, faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines following a serious ACL injury. The 22-year-old, a cornerstone of Enzo Maresca’s defensive setup last season, underwent surgery last week, shattering hopes of a swift return. Initially, Maresca had expressed cautious optimism about Colwill’s recovery timeline during a press conference, but the grim reality of the injury has now set in, leaving the Blues scrambling for solutions.
Colwill’s absence is a massive setback for Maresca, who leaned heavily on the young defender’s versatility and composure in the 2024/25 campaign. The ACL injury, one of the most dreaded in football, could sideline Colwill for the majority of the 2025/26 season, forcing Chelsea to rethink their defensive strategy. With the transfer window still open, the club’s co-sporting directors, Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, are under pressure to act swiftly to fill the gaping void left by Colwill.
According to trusted journalist Simon Phillips on Si Phillips Talks Chelsea, Chelsea are exploring a “potential loan opportunity” to bolster their backline. While no permanent signing has been confirmed, the club appears hesitant to splash out on a new centre-back, instead eyeing a temporary solution to tide them over. This approach could provide Maresca with the depth needed while preserving funds for future investments.
If Chelsea opt against a loan move, Maresca will need to rely on existing squad members to step up. Tosin Adarabioyo and Trevoh Chalobah are prime candidates to fill the breach, with former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf urging the Italian manager to place his trust in the duo. Adarabioyo, known for his aerial prowess, and Chalobah, a versatile academy graduate, could form a solid partnership in Colwill’s absence.
Another intriguing option is summer signing Jorrel Hato. The 19-year-old Dutch prodigy, capable of playing on the left side of central defence—Colwill’s preferred position—offers Maresca a fresh alternative. Hato’s composure and technical ability have already drawn praise, and this could be his chance to shine on the Premier League stage.
Speculation is rife about who Chelsea might target in the loan market. Simon Phillips has floated the name of Aymeric Laporte, the former Manchester City star who was linked with the Blues in 2023. Now 31 and playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Laporte brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record at the highest level. While Phillips noted no recent developments on this front, Laporte’s pedigree makes him an enticing option for a short-term fix, especially given Al-Nassr’s recent dealings with Chelsea, including the transfer of Joao Felix.
With Colwill sidelined, Maresca faces a tactical conundrum. The Italian’s system thrives on defensive stability and fluidity, qualities Colwill embodied. Whether Chelsea opt for a loan signing like Laporte or lean on Adarabioyo, Chalobah, or Hato, Maresca must adapt quickly to keep Chelsea’s ambitions on track. The coming weeks will be critical as the Blues navigate this crisis and aim to maintain their competitive edge in a demanding season.