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Levi Colwill signed his first professional contract with Chelsea in February 2020 Chelsea defender Levi Colwill has had surgery on a serious knee injury and is expected to miss most of the season. The 22-year-old sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during his first training session after the Club World Cup on Tuesday, and has since had a scan and operation. ACL injuries typically rule players out for between six and nine months. Colwill was a near ever-present for Chelsea last season in the Premier League, starting 35 of their 38 matches as they qualified for the Champions League. The England international also played a major role as a substitute in the Conference League final and during the Club World Cup, as Chelsea won their first two major trophies under the current ownership. When asked if Chelsea needed to sign another defender to replace Colwill at his media conference before friendlies against Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan, Maresca said: "It depends - we will wait and see. "You know in our way, how important Levi has been. I spoke with him yesterday and I told him that if we achieve what we achieved last year, it is also because of him - and he was a main player for us. " Chelsea's alternative defensive options are new signing Jorrel Hato, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah and Josh Acheampong. Latest Chelsea news, analysis and fan views Get Chelsea news sent straight to your phone £201m of new forwards - now Man Utd look to solve midfield issue How Mc Tominay became a Ballon d'Or nominee Mc Grath predicts 5-0 win for Australia in Ashes A legendary automotive dream, stalled by scandal and greed The latest update on the George Gibney case James May flies to the edge of space in a U2 spy plane Rob Ince speaks about his new ADHD diagnosis 'So many unknowns' - Championship club-by-club preview My 30-year-old world record 'not a good sign for athletics' - Edwards When England won by two runs - the greatest ever Test match? Video When England won by two runs - the greatest ever Test match? Newcastle's summer of frustration - what's going on? When do top European leagues start - and who will star? Brave complete nail-biting win over Originals. Video Brave complete nail-biting win over Originals Debt, delays & desperation - how Sheff Wed crisis impacts fans Why is it so hard to break into the NFL? Meet post-grad medic who stunned Muir at UK Champs From Premier League title to yo-yo club - Leicester's unforgettable decade Bring back the Delap delivery - how to make throw-ins a weapon 'Winning the Ashes would be Stokes' greatest miracle' How will Russell feel about Mercedes contract saga? How to win at FPL - our experts give their best tips Lions tour awards - best player, moment and try, and a word on the Welshman. .. 'One of the great Test matches' - India earn series draw with narrow win. Video'One of the great Test matches' - India earn series draw with narrow win 'I needed to get myself together' - Fitzpatrick on finding form Becky Zerlentes - the first female boxer to die in fight in US Hansie Cronje, match-fixing and plane crash that left a complex legacy Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.