Chelsea Football Club has confirmed that defender Levi Colwill has undergone successful surgery to repair an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. The 22-year-old sustained the injury during pre-season training at Cobham, just days after returning from a three-week break following Chelsea's Club World Cup triumph in the United States in July.

The club released a statement confirming the news, stating that Colwill reported back to Cobham at the start of the week and unfortunately sustained the injury in training. Medical assessments confirmed that surgery was necessary, and Colwill will now begin his recovery, supported by the club's medical department.

Colwill's injury is a significant blow for Chelsea and new head coach Enzo Maresca. The defender was an integral part of the team's successful 2024-25 campaign, making 38 appearances for Chelsea. Maresca acknowledged Colwill's importance, stating that Chelsea's achievements were partly due to him and that he was a main player. Maresca revealed that Colwill felt something in the last minutes of Monday's training session. A scan on Wednesday confirmed the extent of the injury, leading to the surgery.

The ACL injury is expected to sideline Colwill for a lengthy period, potentially missing the majority of the 2025/26 season. This leaves a void in Chelsea's defense, and the club may look to bolster their defensive options in the transfer market. Chelsea has recently signed Jorrel Hato from Ajax, who can play at left center-back, adding to the options of Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Benoit Badiashile and Aaron Anselmino when all fit. Axel Disasi is expected to leave this summer.

With Colwill's injury, Chelsea might consider stepping up their interest in Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. Chelsea sold Guehi to Palace for £18 million in 2021.

Chelsea begins their Premier League campaign at home against Crystal Palace on August 17th.