Colwill Injury Triggers Chelsea Backline Dilemma

Chelsea backline riddle after Colwill injury

Enzo Maresca must replace Levi Colwill after the injury, but no one fits Chelsea on the market.

Chelsea insist there are no suitable defenders available, and Maresca must find internal solutions.

Maresca can lean on Josh Acheampong, who impressed against Crystal Palace on opening weekend.

Acheampong started with Colwill out and Tosin Adarabioyo carrying a minor injury.

Adarabioyo may return for Friday night at West Ham, but the case for another look at Acheampong beside Trevoh Chalobah grows.

Acheampong, chased by Manchester City, stood up to Jean Phillippe Mateta in the goalless draw.

It is worth testing him as the central defender when Chelsea morph into a back three in possession.

Replacing Colwill’s line breaking passes will not be easy but Maresca has options.

As José would remind us, structure is the weapon before the attack.

West Ham v Chelsea, Friday 8pm BST, tests the plan early.

City v Tottenham, Saturday 12.30pm, follows as a reality check.

Brentford v Aston Villa, Saturday 3pm, adds another layer of pressure.

Burnley v Sunderland, Saturday 3pm, completes the afternoon slate.

Bournemouth v Wolves, Saturday 3pm, seals the weekend package.

For a Chelsea that wants to be the United we believed they could be, this is a defining test.

City betray, Liverpool trauma, Chelsea echoing the path we feared United would travel.

In the end the backline must speak and the bench must listen.

Levi Colwill

Chelsea