Enzo Maresca has raised fears that Levi Colwill could face an extended spell on the sidelines with injury. The Chelsea defender has picked up an issue in pre-season training after returning to work on Monday at Cobham.
Colwill only missed three Premier League games for Chelsea last term and cemented himself at the heart of the backline. He started 40 times in all competitions, including each match at the Club World Cup.
However, he is now a serious doubt for Friday’s friendly against Bayer Leverkusen, and by extension the Milan clash two days later, also at Stamford Bridge. The severity of Colwill’s issue will be determined after a scan.
“We had a problem the last two days about Levi Colwill,” Chelsea’s Italian head coach said on Thursday, speaking ahead of the friendlies. “We don’t know how long he will be out for. Hopefully not too long. It’s a problem. We need to wait. We don’t know yet.”
Maresca added later on: “Depends. We need to wait. Then we’ll see. In our way, we know how important he has been. I spoke with him yesterday, if we achieve what we achieved, it’s because of him.”
Chelsea have already signed some back-up for Colwill in Jorrel Hato from Ajax. The 19-year-old is able to operate at left full-back and in the centre.
Benoit Badiashile is the natural cover for Colwill but suffered his own injury worry in America at the Club World Cup. Wesley Fofana has been back on the field with his teammates this week in training but is not ready to play in either friendly.
“I don’t think he’s ready for minutes in the next two games, but he can be available for the [Crystal] Palace game.” Chelsea welcome Oliver Glasner’s Palace to SW6 for the league opener a week on Sunday.
Hato may well get himself a premature competitive debut. “He’s much more mature than his age,” Maresca said. “Even with him, different country, league, tempo, intensity. He needs to adapt. For sure, no doubt he will help us.”
Chelsea’s players will be up against it to hit their stride quickly in the coming month or so after having their preparations delayed due to the Club World Cup.
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