Report: Chelsea step up search for defensive cover after major injury blow | OneFootball

Chelsea Forced Into Urgent Defensive Search After Levi Colwill Injury

Chelsea’s pre-season plans have been thrown into disarray after a devastating injury blow to Levi Colwill. As reported by CaughtOffside, the 21-year-old has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and is set to be sidelined for several months.

This is a significant setback for manager Enzo Maresca, who now faces the daunting task of replacing one of his most dependable defenders with just weeks to go before the new Premier League season kicks off.

Piero Hincapie on Chelsea’s Transfer Radar

Among the potential solutions is Bayer Leverkusen’s Ecuadorian international, Piero Hincapie. The 23-year-old was pivotal for the Bundesliga side last season, making 45 appearances and showcasing “composure on the ball and strong positional play.”

While Chelsea are keeping a close eye on Hincapie, CaughtOffside note that “no formal contact has been made yet with either Leverkusen or the player’s representatives.” Interest from Spanish clubs could further complicate negotiations.

Antonio Silva Also Under Consideration

Chelsea’s recruitment team are also showing strong interest in Benfica’s Antonio Silva, a player described as “one of Europe’s most promising defensive talents.” At just 21, the Portuguese centre-back possesses both the maturity and technical skill to adapt quickly to Premier League football.

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Early enquiries have been made, with reports suggesting a fee of around €40 million could tempt Benfica. However, no official bid has been made.

Critical Decision Looms for Enzo Maresca

With the season approaching, Chelsea must decide whether to invest in Bundesliga-proven experience with Hincapie or take the long-term route with Silva. As CaughtOffside put it, “Chelsea’s next move in the transfer market will be decisive in determining how they cope with Colwill’s absence.”

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From a Chelsea fan’s perspective, this news is gutting. Colwill was expected to play a major role under Maresca, and losing him before a ball has even been kicked this season is a cruel twist. The timing couldn’t be worse, as the squad was already in need of stability at the back.

Piero Hincapie feels like a sensible option — he’s proven at a high level, can play in a possession-heavy system, and has that aggression Chelsea have lacked in certain moments. But the lack of formal talks raises concerns about whether the club are moving quickly enough.

Antonio Silva, while hugely talented, would be a bigger gamble. Adapting from the Portuguese league to the Premier League is no small leap, and while his ceiling is high, Chelsea need someone ready to perform from day one.

Ultimately, Chelsea fans will want the club to act decisively. If this situation drags on, the risk of starting the season with a makeshift defence becomes very real — something that could derail Maresca’s plans before they’ve even begun.