Enzo Maresca Reveals Levi Colwill Injury Concern Ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League Opener

Chelsea’s preparations for the 2025–26 Premier League season have been dealt a significant blow, with head coach Enzo Maresca confirming that key defender Levi Colwill has suffered an injury during pre-season training. The 22-year-old, who played a crucial role in Chelsea’s fourth-place finish and Club World Cup triumph last season, could miss the team’s opening match against Crystal Palace on August 17, 2025.

On August 7, 2025, during a press conference ahead of Chelsea’s friendly against Bayer Leverkusen, Maresca revealed the concerning news about Colwill’s injury. “We had a problem in the last two days with Levi Colwill, that we don’t know how long he is going to be out,” he said. “It was in the first session on Monday, just in the last minutes of the session. He felt something and, as I said, we need to wait and then we see.”

The injury occurred during Chelsea’s first training session back at Cobham on August 4, 2025, following a three-week break after their Club World Cup victory. While the exact nature of the injury remains undisclosed, reports suggest it is a muscular issue, with further medical assessments needed to determine the recovery timeline. Colwill’s absence from a trophy celebration event at Stamford Bridge on August 6, 2025, raised initial concerns among fans, which Maresca’s comments confirmed.

The timing is particularly challenging, with Chelsea’s Premier League opener against Crystal Palace just 10 days away. Maresca expressed optimism that Colwill’s absence would be short-term, stating, “We’ll see, hopefully not too long, but for sure it’s a problem for us.” He emphasized Colwill’s importance, noting a conversation with the defender: “I spoke with him yesterday and I told him that if we achieve what we achieved last year, it is also because of him – and he was a main player for us.”

With the transfer window open until September 1, 2025, Maresca hinted at the possibility of seeking defensive reinforcements if Colwill’s recovery is prolonged. “It depends. We need to wait and then we see,” he said when asked about potential signings. Chelsea recently acquired Jorrel Hato from Ajax for £37 million, a young centre-back praised for his maturity but still adapting to the Premier League’s intensity. Additionally, Trevoh Chalobah, recalled from a loan at Crystal Palace, and Tosin Adarabioyo offer immediate cover, while academy prospects like Josh Acheampong could see increased opportunities.

Maresca also provided a positive update on Wesley Fofana, who has returned to training after previous injury concerns. “Wes is back. He is training with us. I don’t think he is ready to get minutes in the next two games – but probably he can be available for the Palace game,” Maresca said. This offers hope for defensive stability, though Fofana’s own injury history underscores the need for caution.

Colwill’s Rise at Chelsea

Levi Colwill, born on February 26, 2003, in Southampton, England, emerged as one of Chelsea’s brightest academy prospects, known for his composure, ball-playing ability, and versatility as a left-footed centre-back. After successful loan spells at Huddersfield Town (2021–22) and Brighton & Hove Albion (2022–23), Colwill broke into Chelsea’s first team during the 2023–24 season. Despite occasional deployments at left-back and injury setbacks, he established himself as a key figure under Enzo Maresca in the 2024–25 campaign.

Last season, Colwill made 43 appearances across all competitions, including starring roles in the Europa Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup finals. His most memorable moment came on the final day of the Premier League season against Nottingham Forest, where he scored the decisive goal in a 2–1 victory, securing Chelsea’s Champions League qualification. Forming a formidable partnership with Wesley Fofana, Colwill’s performances earned praise from Maresca, who described him as a “main player” instrumental to the team’s success.

In a March 2025 interview with BBC Football Focus, Colwill lauded Maresca’s tactical approach, stating, “The way he thinks about football is light years above everyone else. He is pushing me to understand football in a different way.” His consistent presence, with 25 Premier League starts in 2024–25, underscored his importance to Maresca’s system, though critics noted occasional lapses in form due to an inconsistent defensive partner and goalkeeping issues.

As Chelsea prepare for their friendlies and the Premier League opener, all eyes will be on Colwill’s medical assessments and Maresca’s tactical adjustments. The club’s ability to maintain defensive solidity without one of their star players will be crucial as they aim for another successful campaign under Maresca’s leadership.

Sources: The Independent, The Mirror, Sky Sports, The Standard, football.london, Metro News