Chelsea got a big boost before their Champions League last-16 match against Paris Saint-Germain when defender Levi Colwill showed up unexpectedly at Tuesday’s open training session at Cobham. The 22-year-old joined his teammates on the grass after being out of action since tearing his ACL on the first day of pre-season training in August.
Fans quickly saw the England international smiling and training with his teammates during the session, which made them even more excited on social media. Colwill was a key player for Chelsea last season, playing 43 times in all competitions. The Blues finished fourth in the Premier League and won the Conference League and Club World Cup.
He scored the winning goal in a 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest on the last day of the 2024–25 season. This goal guaranteed Chelsea a spot in the Champions League. The Blues are currently fifth in the Premier League table with 48 points from 29 games, and they have missed him this season.
Before the end of the season, head coach Liam Rosenior had said that he was cautiously hopeful that the defender would be available:
“I’m hopeful because he’s an outstanding player. Again, no time frames. You have to take these long-term injuries day by day. And also, it’s not about when he comes back, it’s about him staying fit when he is back.”
The plan has always been to bring Colwill back slowly and steadily. Before, it seemed unlikely that he would play again this season, but now that he is training with the group, that possibility seems more likely. His return could also help his chances of making the England World Cup team, making his recovery even more important.
How Colwill’s Return Could Fix Chelsea’s Weak Defence
Since losing Colwill before the season started, Chelsea’s defence have had trouble being consistent. The Blues have only kept three clean sheets in 11 league games under Rosenior, which shows how weak their defence have been. The defence just doesn’t seem as sure of itself as it did when Colwill was a regular part of it.
Colwill’s left-footed passing range gives Chelsea balance and better build-up play from the back, which they have needed this season. Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah have worked well together, but the team have conceded 34 league goals, which shows serious room for improvement.
Chelsea are still in the Champions League and trying to finish in the top four. Even a few late-season games from Colwill could help the Blues’ defence stay strong during their important stretch.