Reece James’ latest injury has left Chelsea in a bind, and I think Xabi Alonso already knows the answer. The club captain has undergone knee surgery and will be out of action for about three months, unavailable until 2027.
Levi Colwill wore the armband in the 5-1 win over Bournemouth, but Moisés Caicedo was the one who took the armband in the 2-0 victory over Everton. Alonso has no problem with either player, naming both as options, but rotating the captaincy isn’t the way to go when the main captain has suffered a major injury.
In my opinion, Colwill has a stronger claim to the armband, as he has shown leadership since arriving at the club’s youth academy. He earned his first taste of the first team at 20 and even captained the reserves during his comeback from the ACL injury that ruled him out for most of the 2025/26 campaign.
He tore his ACL in August 2025 and missed almost the entire 2025/26 season, but has since been a mainstay in Alonso’s defence. The 23-year-old, already under contract until 2029, is also expected to sign a new deal that will extend his stay beyond that. A long spell as captain would be the ideal chance for him to show his qualities to the first team.
Alonso might want to give the armband to Caicedo after his leadership display at Hill Dickinson Stadium. The Ecuadorian international struck the woodwork with a stunning volley and helped Chelsea record their first league clean sheet in 23 matches, and his workload will likely become heavier in James’ absence.
A long run as skipper could also define Colwill’s future, with his contract running until 2029. James’ fitness record means Chelsea need a natural successor, and three months with the armband would show Alonso whether Colwill is truly ready.
Mauricio Pochettino Once Tipped Levi Colwill to Become Chelsea Captain
Colwill has proven his credentials as a leader before Alonso arrived at Stamford Bridge, and the new boss might have been influenced by Mauricio Pochettino. Pochettino gave the young defender a chance to wear the armband when he faced Manchester United in the 2023/24 season, a 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford, with club captain James rested to manage his fitness.
“He has the profile to be captain… he is going to be the future of the club,” Pochettino said at the time. The Argentine boss also noted that his young charge would have to bide his time before taking up the post, as James was already club captain, with Ben Chilwell among the other senior leaders in the squad. However, James has been ruled out for an extended period, and now it is Colwill’s turn to show Pochettino he was right to tip him as a future captain.