Levi Colwill
CHE
Center Back
Controlled Center Back
Feb 26, 2003 (23)
Left
6'2"
183 lb
Steady at heart of defense
Colwill registered one tackle (one won) and four clearances in Saturday's 5-1 victory versus AFC Bournemouth.
Analysis: Colwill recorded four clearances and won his only attempted tackle while captaining Chelsea through all 90 minutes of Saturday's 5-1 victory. Bournemouth created several dangerous moments despite the lopsided score, particularly through Rayan, Ryan Christie and Antonio Silva in the first half, before increasing the pressure again after Evanilson's goal. Colwill and the Chelsea back line weathered that stretch without allowing Bournemouth to reduce the deficit further before the attack put the match away.
Plays 90 minutes vs. Hull
Colwill generated four clearances in Saturday's 2-2 draw against Hull City.
Analysis: Colwill returned to the Chelsea starting lineup for the first time since he was left unused against Arsenal, and he came through the full 90 minutes without any sign of the minor issue that troubled him in the cup game in midweek. He finished with four clearances and two blocks in a game that got away from Chelsea after a bright start at home, and the point they salvaged did little to settle the questions still hanging over a defence that has looked vulnerable all season.
Minor issue, not considered an injury
Colwill (undisclosed) came off with a minor issue during Wednesday's Carabao Cup meeting with Leeds, though it is not considered as an injury, according to coach Xabi Alonso, per Football London. "No, no, it's just some little things that he's having, but we don't expect that this is an injury."
Analysis: Colwill had returned to the starting lineup and captained Chelsea against Leeds, playing 74 minutes before being substituted, and manager Alonso's comments suggest the fitness concern is not significant. He should remain a strong option in the back three, with Josh Acheampong continuing to provide cover if his workload needs to be managed.
Returns to starting XI in Cup
Colwill (undisclosed) returned to the starting lineup and captained Chelsea against Leeds after being omitted from the squad at Arsenal.
Analysis: Colwill's omission at Arsenal appears to have been precautionary after he went straight back into the starting lineup and was given the captain's armband against Leeds. The center back played 74 minutes rather than completing the match, but his quick return indicates that the fitness concern has not developed into a significant restriction. With Colwill previously occupying a regular place in the back three, he should remain a strong option for Xabi Alonso, while Josh Acheampong can continue to provide cover if his workload is managed.
Cleared for cup return
Colwill has been passed fit for Wednesday's Carabao Cup meeting with Leeds, three days after the centre-back was held out of the starting lineup against Arsenal as a precaution, according to head coach Xabi Alonso, per football london."He's OK for tomorrow.".
Analysis: Colwill missed Sunday's defeat at Arsenal as a precaution after picking up a minor issue in training and remained an unused substitute, but he has now been cleared for Wednesday's cup tie. His return restores an important option to Chelsea's back three, where he has been operating on the left alongside Maxence Lacroix, although the decision to leave him out at the weekend shows that Alonso is willing to manage the defender carefully. A controlled return against Leeds would therefore be a realistic approach, particularly with another league game against Hull City soon after.
Stays on bench for fitness reasons
Colwill was an unused substitute during Sunday's 2-1 loss to Arsenal reportedly as a precaution while he dealt with a slight issue, about which manager Xabi Alonso said "Levi had a little thing during the week, so we wanted not to take a risk at this stage of the season.", per the team's official website.
Analysis: Colwill missed the third EPL game entirely after seeing 162 minutes of play over the previous pair of matches, and it was youngster Josh Acheampong who took his place in the back line alongside Maxence Lacroix and Wesley Fofana. If his recovery progresses favorably during the next week, Colwill should be ready to return in a Sept. 12 clash with Hull City, although he could also have a chance to see minutes in a midweek EFL Cup contest. As soon as he's ready to start, he may be relied on for defensive stats after averaging 4.0 clearances, 1.5 tackles and 1.0 interceptions per game in the opening stretch of the season.
Makes six clearances
Colwill generated one tackle (one won), six clearances and two interceptions in Sunday's 4-3 win versus Brighton.
Analysis: Colwill made his second consecutive Premier League start and completed 72 minutes on the left side of Chelsea's back three. He contributed six clearances, two interceptions and one tackle won, remaining active as Brighton increased the pressure. His ability to defend proactively while contributing to Chelsea's buildup should keep him firmly in contention for regular starts in manager Xabi Alonso's back line.
Carefully managed by coaching staff
Colwill was not involved in Thursday's Carabao Cup win over Luton, with coach Xabi Alonso explaining he continues to be carefully managed following last season's injury. "With Levi, after his injury last season, he is still in a period where he has to take the right steps, we don't want to push him too much, we want to make sure his body doesn't get stressed and that he feels comfortable and well."
Analysis: Colwill is in contention to face Brighton on Sunday, with manager Alonso noting that after his injury last season, he is still in a period where he has to take the right steps and that they don't want to push him too much. The careful handling reflects the club's continued caution as he builds back up following that setback.
Starts in last friendly
Colwill (undisclosed) is in the starting XI for Saturday's last friendly against Real Sociedad, the club posted.
Analysis: Colwill had been omitted from the squad against Juventus as a precaution, with coach Xabi Alonso noting after that match it was just discomfort rather than an injury and that he was hopeful for a quick turnaround. His return to the starting XI confirms that read, positioning him to reclaim his central defensive role after recently returning from ACL surgery, during which he started the final three games of last season.
Held out as precaution
Colwill (undisclosed) was omitted from Wednesday's squad to face Juventus as a precaution, with the club deciding not to risk him, the club announced.
Analysis: Colwill had missed training entirely ahead of the match, though the absence is being treated as precautionary rather than a serious setback given he had only recently returned from ACL surgery and started the final three games of last season. Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo will start in central defense against Juventus in his absence. The defender's composure on the ball and reading of the game make him an expected starter for the start of the new season, and he is hoped to be available for Chelsea's next match against AC Milan. Colwill is expected to be reassessed as the club continues to manage his return carefully.
Not training Tuesday
Colwill was not in training ahead of Wednesday's friendly against Juventus in Hong Kong, with the reason for his absence currently unknown, Nizaar Kinsella of BBC Sport reports.
Analysis: Colwill returned from his ACL injury in May, started the last three games of last campaign, and looked to have put the worst behind him by taking part in pre-season and featuring in the last two friendlies. That makes his absence from training entirely a more concerning development for a center back who was expected to be a starter at the back this season. Nothing has been discussed publicly by Chelsea about the nature of the issue, but not training at all makes it very difficult to see him featuring in Wednesday's game against Juventus, and it is a situation worth watching closely given how recently he returned from a serious knee injury.
Involved in pre-season training
Colwill has been taking part in pre-season training with Chelsea ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Analysis: Colwill missed almost all of last season as he recovered from a torn ACL, only able to feature in the final few games of the season. However, the defender is continuing to improve his status and work towards full fitness, as he joined his teammates for the first week of pre-season training. He is working to earn back the starting role he held in the 2024/25 season, starting in all 35 of his appearances that campaign. He will have to earn the starting role back as he competes for time with Wesley Fofana, Jorrel Hato and Trevoh Chalobah, although that seems very feasible with new manager Xabi Alonso.
Should return Sunday
Colwill is entering Sunday's match against Sunderland as a likely option, according to manager Callum McFarlane. "Levi trained today, and that's really promising. We have another day of training tomorrow, so he will see how he is after that, but we're hopeful he'll be fit for Sunday."
Analysis: Colwill was already known to be rested last match and likely to return for the season finale, and that is now appearing to be coming to fruition, as the defender is trending towards a return Sunday. After nearly a full season sidelined, this is good news for the defender, at least finishing the season on the field. He has started in two of his three appearances since returning, so he has a chance of seeing the starting XI in the season finale.
Rested versus Tottenham
Colwill won't play Tuesday against Tottenham because of load management following his recent return from a knee injury, with interim coach Calum McFarlane saying "We had a big game on Saturday, and there are a few lads who are carrying some knocks. There are some lads that we need to manage in terms of their previous injuries".
Analysis: Colwill started in each of the last two games across all competitions, and the midweek contest came too soon for him to make another appearance given that he previously missed several months with a severe injury. While his workload could continue to be managed carefully, he'll aim to be fit in the short term. Wesley Fofana and Jorrel Hato will likely form the center-back pairing, with Trevoh Chalobah sitting on the bench against the Spurs.
Carefully managed by staff
Colwill (knee) is being managed carefully after his return from injury and won't start Tuesday's clash against Tottenham, according to coach Calum McFarlane. "We need to be careful with Levi. He's obviously off the back of a very serious injury and has performed well in those two games. We'll see how he looks today, how he reports, and we'll make a decision on that. It's been great to have him back, great for English football as well. I think we've got a really talented, really high-potential player here. Injuries are a part of it, and he's shown really good mental strength and character to come through that and perform away at Anfield and in an FA Cup final. So we're really, really excited about Levi and he's added a lot to the team, not just on the pitch, but off the pitch as well. It's been a brilliant two games for him, and hopefully, he can finish the season strongly."
Analysis: Colwill has started Chelsea's last two fixtures since returning from his lengthy knee injury, but the club is not prepared to risk him from the beginning against Tottenham given the importance of managing his workload carefully at this stage of his comeback and with the World Cup looming in a few weeks for him with the Three Lions. Tosin Adarabioyo is expected to take his spot in central defense if the late assessment confirms he should be kept on the bench, with Chelsea prioritizing Colwill's long-term availability over any short-term starting role.
Could start FA Cup final
Colwill (knee) has trained well this week and could feature in Saturday's FA Cup final against Manchester City, according to coach Calum McFarlane. "Levi's had a really good rehab and, before he played his first game back for us against Nottingham Forest, he played for the Under-21s on two or three occasions. So, it's been a really good training week for Levi and he was exceptional against Liverpool. That speaks a lot about him, being able to produce that sort of performance after that time out, and at a really difficult place. He has trained well this week, and we're looking forward to potentially having him on Saturday as well."
Analysis: Colwill started in last weekend's 1-1 draw at Anfield, his first appearance in the starting XI since last summer's Club World Cup final, and delivered an impressive display despite the lengthy spell on the sidelines. The 23-year-old England international had worked his way back carefully through appearances for the Under-21 side before earning his return to the first team, and his form at Liverpool has clearly given manager Calum McFarlane the confidence to consider him for Wembley. His potential involvement in the FA Cup final represents a remarkable turnaround after the serious knee injury that ruled him out since pre-season.
Makes first start of season
Colwill (knee) makes his first Premier League start of the season for Saturday's clash against Liverpool, marking a significant milestone in his return from the serious knee injury he sustained in pre-season, the club posted.
Analysis: Colwill had been working his way back gradually and featured 45 minutes of bench in Monday's clash against Nottingham Forest. After completing a full week of training, coach Calum McFarlane decided to hand him a starting role against one of the league's top sides is a strong vote of confidence in his recovery. The England international's return to the starting lineup is a major boost for Chelsea heading into the final stretch of the season, with the club having managed his comeback carefully to ensure he is fully ready before being thrown into the thick of things.
Feeling good after return
Colwill (knee) has completed a full week of training and could start Saturday's clash against Liverpool, according to coach Calum McFarlane. "Levi has trained a full week with us, and so has Reece, so it's really positive with those two. We've still got another session before facing Liverpool, but both trained fully today and we're hopeful."
Analysis: Colwill's progression to a full week of training is a significant step forward after a lengthy spell on the sidelines following a serious knee injury sustained in pre-season. The England international had already earned a place on the bench in the previous fixture, and a potential starting role against Liverpool would mark a major milestone in his recovery. Manager Calum McFarlane will make a final decision following the last training session before the match, with the signs pointing toward an increasingly prominent role for the center-back in the final fixtures of the campaign.
Bench option Monday
Colwill (knee) is on the bench for Monday's clash against Nottingham.
Analysis: Colwill has been included in the squad after all signs pointed toward a potential return following his participation in full training and recent appearances for Chelsea's U21 side, with the coaching staff rewarding his progression with a place among the substitutes. The defender has been sidelined since pre-season due to a serious knee injury, making his inclusion in the senior matchday squad a significant milestone in what has been a lengthy road back to full fitness.
Could make squad Monday
Colwill (knee) could be in line to make his season debut Monday against Nottingham Forest, according to interim manager Calum McFarlane. "Reece is back in training, and Levi is back in training also," McFarlane stated at his pre-Forest press conference. "Levi has had a long injury and we don't want to push him too much. But both are looking good and potentially they could be [in the squad vs Forest], yes," he added.
Analysis: Colwill has been featuring for Chelsea's U21 side in the last few weeks, and given that he's been participating in full training as well, all signs point to the defender potentially making the squad for Monday. If he doesn't, though, he should still have a shot at playing before the end of the season -- assuming he doesn't have any setbacks. Colwill has been sidelined since pre-season due to a serious knee injury.
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