Chelsea have confirmed that defender Levi Colwill missed most of the 2025/26 campaign. This is a blow that can rekindle interest in Crystal Palace’s Mark Guech.
The Chelsea team returned to training this week after winning the Club World Cup in the US early this summer.
Unfortunately for Enzo Maresca and Colwill, the 22-year-old suffered a serious knee injury during his first pre-season session.
The club confirmed in a statement Thursday that England International had undergone surgery for his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
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“Defender Levi Colwill successfully performed surgery for his anterior cruciate ligament injury today,” the club’s statement read.
“The 22-year-old returned to Cobham for the preseason earlier this week and unfortunately maintained a training injury.
‘A medical evaluation involves a course of action that requires surgery.
“Levi will now begin his recovery and be supported by the medical school of Cobham’s club in his rehabilitation phase.”
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Blues head coach Enzo Maresca had previously confirmed that Colwill “feeled something” near the end of the session, but initially he had no idea of the severity of the injury.
“It was the first session on Monday, and the last few minutes of the session. He felt something. Like I said, we need to wait,” Maresca said.
When asked if the club would try to sign a replacement, the Italian said: “It depends. We have to wait.
There is at least some positive news. Wesley Fofana has returned to training after undergoing surgery with a hamstring injury last season.
“Wes is back,” Maresca added. “He’s training with us. I don’t think he’s ready to get a few minutes in the next two games, but perhaps he’ll be available for palace matches.”
Colwill played 47 times for the club and country last season, with Chelsea winning the Europa Conference League and secured a fourth-place finish in the Premier League and competing in the Champions League.
As for potential alternatives, Guehi’s name could rise again this week.
Chelsea have already signed Ajax’s Yarel Hot in this transfer window, and currently available at centre backs include Wesley Fofana, Axel Disaji, Bunaux Badiasir, Tosin Adaribioyo, Trevo Charoba, Aaron Anselmino and Renato Beiga.
Meanwhile, Mamadou Sarr is available for loan to Strasbourg, France.
Still, the blow from this injury is unlikely to stop the Blues from spending heavily on the new central defender and replacing key figures like Colwill.
Chelsea sold Guech to the palace for £18 million in 2021, and the English defender is currently in the final year of his contract. Both Liverpool and Newcastle United are interested.
There’s nothing concrete to suggest that Chelsea will make Guech’s move… yet. But they have shown interest in the 25-year-old’s signature before, and feel that is somewhat inevitable given how Newcastle’s transfer period is progressing.
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