Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca wants to sign a new central defender to replace injured Levi Colwill, but the club is exploring internal solutions. Colwill’s ACL injury will keep him out for most of the season.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is at odds with the club’s hierarchy over replacing injured defender Levi Colwill. Colwill suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and is expected to miss most of the season.
Maresca believes the team needs a new central defender to fill the gap, but Chelsea are currently looking for an internal solution.
The Italian manager emphasized Colwill’s importance in the team’s build-up play, saying, “When we build, we build with Levi in the middle.”
With Colwill out, Maresca thinks Tosin Adarabioyo could fill the role, but he’s unsure about other players adapting to the position. New signing Jorrel Hato, for instance, has been earmarked for a left-back role, backing up Marc Cucurella.
Maresca’s concerns about the team’s defensive capabilities are valid, given the injury problems plaguing other defenders like Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile. Despite these issues, Chelsea has been trialling Josh Acheampong and Trevoh Chalobah in Colwill’s role during pre-season wins over Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan.
Chelsea’s current transfer strategy seems focused on strengthening their attacking options, with talks ongoing for Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho and RB Leipzig midfielder Xavi Simons. However, Maresca’s insistence on signing a new central defender might prompt the club to reconsider their priorities.
The club’s decision not to sign a replacement for Colwill immediately could be a test of their long-term vision, prioritizing youth and internal growth over short-term fixes. With the transfer window still open, Chelsea might yet make a late move to bolster their defense.
