Chelsea are going into their opening Premier League game of the season with a shortage of centre-back options, coming after it was confirmed that Levi Colwill will miss most of 2025/2026.
The Cobham academy graduate, after playing a key role under Enzo Maresca last season, won't be seen on the pitch again for a long time.
Chelsea Colwill
Colwill suffered an ACL injury near the end of his first training session back, and has since undergone successful surgery as the 22-year-old's lengthy rehabilitation process begins.
ACL injuries typically have a recovery time of around six-to-nine months, so Chelsea will need a solid alternative/replacement for Colwill, who won't be available until well into 2026.
Maresca also confirmed to Channel 5 last week that he wants a new centre-back as a "priority" in light of the Chelsea starlet's blow.
“It is a priority for me,” Maresca said, via Standard Sport.
“Levi is a fantastic player. What we achieved last season is because of him. He played a lot of games with me, I love him. We are going to miss him.
“We are trying also to find different solutions.”
Chelsea are exploring that possibility after Colwill's injury, according to reports, and Blues transfer chiefs are even discussing an emergency loan deal.
"Chelsea are exploring possible new centre backs after the injury to Levi Colwill," wrote journalist Simon Phillips earlier this week.
"Well, they were exploring new centre backs before that, and the proof is in the pudding because they tried to sign Dean Huijsen and failed, and then tried for Jarrad Branthwaite after that but his price tag was way too high.
"Sources have said this week that the club are discussing a new centre back again, and although we don’t have any solid names yet and will update accordingly when we do, there is talk of a potential loan deal being done for an incoming centre back."
Earlier this window, Chelsea turned to sister club Strasbourg in their pursuit of a centre-half - specifically Ismael Doukoure.
ismael-doukoure-strasbourg-ligue-1
The French Under-21 international was a mainstay under Liam Rosenior during Strasbourg's charge for a European place last season, starting all of their final 11 Ligue 1 matches as a centre-back despite featuring mostly as a defensive midfielder beforehand.
It was reported in June that Chelsea offered Doukoure a contract to join Maresca's side, but talks haven't exactly gone to plan.
Ismael Doukoure banished to Strasbourg reserves after Chelsea talks
L'Equipe have an update on the 22-year-old's future - stating Doukoure's negotiations over a move to Chelsea are now at a standstill.
Strasbourg wanted to tempt the player with a Stamford Bridge switch to keep him on BlueCo's books, with Doukoure's contract expiring next year, but no progress has been made - so the ex-Valenciennes ace is poised to leave for free in 2026.
RC Strasbourg coach Liam Rosenior
As a result, Doukoure has now been banished to the reserve squad ahead of their Ligue 1 opener against FC Metz this weekend.
It is unclear whether Chelsea will continue to try and tempt him, but Doukoure could be a solid, versatile option to cover for Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana - who'll most likely be Maresca's starting centre-backs against Crystal Palace on Sunday.