Enzo Maresca has effusively called on the Chelsea higher ups to sign a new central defender to replace the injured Levi Colwill.
In his first press conference ahead of the new Premier League season on Friday (August 15), Maresca was uncharacteristically adamant about wanting the Blues to get another centre-back into the squad.
Colwill underwent surgery on an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sustained during training and is expected to miss the majority of the season.
The England international was a mainstay last term, starting 35 of Chelsea’s 38 Premier League matches as they sealed Champions League qualification.
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“We need a central defender,” Maresca said in his press conference.
“We are looking for an internal solution but, as I said, the club know exactly what I think.”
Chelsea have not been concretely linked to any centre-backs since Colwill’s injury.
Why does Maresca want another central defender?
In the lead up to Chelsea’s Premier League opener against Crystal Palace, Maresca stressed that Colwill’s value is about far more than defensive stability, highlighting his unique role in the Blues’ build-up play.
Tactically, Colwill’s passing range and composure with the ball at his feet enable Chelsea to build from the back more comfortably with pace and precision.
“When we build, we build with Levi in the middle. It's different to the player in the middle on the left side,” Maresca said.
“Last year, we played 64 games and we played 64 games with Levi and Tosin [Adarabioyo]. Now Levi is out, the only one that he can do that job well is Tosin.
“[Jorrel] Hato is a new one. He never played as the guy in the middle last season.
“So, it's not about being a central defender. Yes, Hato is a central defender. But can he do that? It's different, it's not just about that.”
Matchday one! 🔜 pic.twitter.com/Ws8l6jVAnf
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 14, 2025
Maresca’s statements could challenge the club’s preference to rely on internal defensive options such as Hato, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, Josh Acheampong and Wesley Fofana.
These in-house centre-halves might not be too pleased hearing their manager’s words, though it seems increasingly likely that one of them will have to step up in Colwill’s absence.
There also appears to be a clear mismatch between Maresca’s desires and what the Chelsea brass are planning, with the club focused almost entirely on strengthening the attack in the late stages of the transfer window.
Chelsea have been strongly linked to Manchester United outcast Alejandro Garanacho, while they continue to pursue a deal for RB Leipzig forward Xavi Simons.
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