Chelsea face centre-back gap after Colwill knee surgery

Chelsea opened the new Premier League season with a 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace as Enzo Maresca confronted a growing defensive crisis, with Levi Colwill sidelined long term after knee surgery. The manager highlighted a need to sign a centre-back, even as he devolved responsibilities to a handful of internal candidates, including 19-year-old Josh Acheampong, who started at centre-back for the first time in a top-flight match and delivered a performance that added fresh optimism to Chelsea’s injury-plagued rearguard.

Colwill’s absence leaves a substantial gap at the heart of Chelsea’s defence. Maresca confirmed the long-term nature of the injury and stressed that Colwill’s contribution last season as a key link between defence and attack underscored the problem the club now faces. With Tosin Adarabioyo also unavailable for a period due to a physical problem and Benoit Badiashile returning from injury only gradually, Chelsea’s only senior option on Sunday’s roster for the middle of the back three was Trevoh Chalobah, while Jorrel Hato and other academy talents were available as alternatives. The coach said the club would “look internally” to find a solution, but he also...