Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that his side will be forced to begin their Premier League campaign against Crystal Palace on Sunday without three key players, as they continue to cope with a mounting injury crisis.
In a media briefing ahead of the season opener, Maresca revealed the squad will be without centre-back Levi Colwill, who suffered a serious ACL injury during pre-season training. The 22-year-old is expected to be sidelined for six to nine months, ruling him out for the majority of the upcoming season.
Also missing are Wesley Fofana, who remains out with a persistent hamstring issue, and Axel Disasi, who, despite returning from loan, is not part of Maresca’s immediate plans.
The absence of these defenders leaves a striking void at the heart of Chelsea’s backline, prompting the club to weigh up whether to reinforce via the transfer market or rely on internal options. “The club know exactly what I am thinking. I think we need a central defender, but we are also looking for an internal solution,” said Maresca.
Line-Up and Tactical Implications
With Colwill, Fofana, and Disasi unavailable, Chelsea’s defensive options are significantly limited. Fortunately, Maresca clarified that Trevoh Chalobah, who was replaced during a pre-season friendly due to heat rather than injury, is fit and available.
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The expected defence for Sunday’s match could see Chalobah paired with Tosin Adarabioyo, while Jorrel Hato, acquired this summer for £37 million, may also feature.
Transfer Market Activity and Club Outlook
Chelsea have already been active in the market, bringing in João Pedro, Jamie Gittens, Jorrel Hato, Liam Delap, and Estevão Willian among others.
Maresca reiterated that with the transfer window closing on September 1, “anything can happen” to bolster squad depth, especially in light of the defensive injury crisis.
Season Ambitions Amid Injury Worries
Despite the setbacks, the squad remains motivated. Chelsea enter the season off the back of a commendable 2024–25 campaign—finishing fourth in the Premier League and securing a UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup double.
Maresca projects confidence in his evolving squad, but cautioned that facing a Palace team fresh from impressive victories over Manchester City (FA Cup) and Liverpool (Community Shield) poses a stern challenge.
