Chelsea Injury Update: Latest on Romeo Lavia, Colwill and more | OneFootball

Chelsea Injuries Continue to Mount as Maresca Faces Defensive Crisis

Chelsea began the season with a goalless stalemate against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge, a result that did little to mask their growing concerns. A disallowed free-kick from Eberechi Eze spared them from defeat, but the real setback came off the pitch: another addition to their already worrying injury list.

Enzo Maresca now prepares his squad for a testing trip to West Ham with key players sidelined, leaving Chelsea’s defensive structure under strain.

Fresh Setback for Tosin Adarabioyo

On the eve of the Palace match, Tosin Adarabioyo became the latest casualty, suffering an untimely injury in training. The centre-back, tipped to play an important role this season following Levi Colwill’s long-term absence, was initially expected to return quickly.

Maresca said before the game: “There is a small injury, he needs some days off, then we will see for the next game.”

However, his tone was less reassuring after full-time: “He had a physical problem. We don’t know for how long [he will be out].”

His involvement against West Ham remains uncertain.

Ongoing Mystery Around Romeo Lavia

Romeo Lavia has not been seen in competitive action since the Club World Cup victory over Benfica, where he played 85 minutes. A “small muscle problem” was the initial explanation, but his absence has stretched on with little clarity.

He has yet to return to full training, leaving his comeback date unknown. For Chelsea, the continued lack of updates is a frustration, not least because his composure in midfield could provide balance in a side increasingly reliant on makeshift solutions.

Benoît Badiashile Nears Return

Benoît Badiashile also picked up an issue during the Club World Cup campaign. The French defender missed both pre-season friendlies and has been restricted to individual work at Cobham. Encouragingly, he is expected back in September, with Brentford away a possible return target.

Long Road Ahead for Levi Colwill

Perhaps the most significant blow remains Levi Colwill. After shining in the summer, his season was derailed by an ACL injury in training. Chelsea confirmed surgery has been completed successfully, but his recovery will stretch well into 2026.

A club statement noted: “Levi will now begin his recovery and be supported by the club’s medical department at Cobham during his rehabilitation phase.”

Chelsea’s season is just one game old, but the mounting injuries have already left Maresca wrestling with a defensive puzzle. The absence of Colwill and uncertainty surrounding Adarabioyo, Lavia, and Badiashile threatens to shape the early months. With West Ham looming, the need for resilience has never been greater.