Chelsea set to sign a central defender after Colwill injury

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca says the club must recruit a central defender to cover Levi Colwill after an ACL injury.

Chelsea set to sign a central defender after Colwill injury

Chelsea face a defensive gap after Levi Colwill suffered an ACL injury in training, ruling him out for most of the season. With Colwill sidelined, Tosin Adarabioyo and Trevoh Chalobah are set to start against Crystal Palace, while Maresca has indicated Chelsea still need a central defender and has been linked with Benfica’s Antonio Silva.

Maresca stressed that the club is seeking an internal fix but warned that the transfer window can still offer new options. He said Chelsea have a strong squad and will be ready for the new campaign, while also brushing off mind games from rivals and focusing on improving players. Chelsea have only just returned to full pre-season after their World Club Cup success, making this a period of adjustment rather than a calm buildup.

Levi Colwill's injury exposes Chelsea's reliance on a specific defensive setup to drive their pressing and build-up play. Maresca's openness to a sign signals a clear prioritization of stability at the back, even if it means disrupting a familiar balance. The Benfica link to Antonio Silva shows the club leaning toward a proven option rather than promoting from within.

The moment tests Chelsea's market timing and risk management as the transfer window opens. A swift defensive addition would signal ambition and financial readiness; waiting could invite a slow start or more scrutiny of the squad. Maresca's measured tone — focusing on players rather than rival chatter — points to cautious leadership that seeks results through discipline rather than headlines.

Highlights

Chelsea's next moves will test how quickly strategy shifts translate to on pitch stability