Chelsea’s centre-back dilemma: Will they make a move before the summer transfer window closes?

Chelsea’s summer has been largely positive, but recent weeks have brought setbacks that could test their squad depth.

Levi Colwill’s return to training after a triumphant Club World Cup campaign was short-lived.

The centre-back sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during his first session back, underwent surgery, and is now ruled out for most of the 2025/26 season.

That blow is compounded by the ongoing rehabilitation of another starting centre-back, Wesley Fofana.

Chalobah scare sparks concern

On August 10, Chelsea cruised past AC Milan 4-1, but the result was briefly overshadowed when Trevoh Chalobah appeared to come off injured.

Thankfully, it was later confirmed to be fatigue caused by the heat, and Enzo Maresca has assured fans that he will be available for the Premier League opener against Crystal Palace.

Still, the incident was a reminder of just how thin Chelsea’s options could become if any more injuries occur.

Should Chalobah be sidelined again, he would join Colwill and Fofana on the absentee list - leaving the Blues dangerously short in central defence.

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Youth and versatility, but is it enough?

Chelsea do have 19-year-old Cobham graduate Josh Acheampong, who started against Milan, but expecting him to shoulder the defensive burden across an entire campaign would be unrealistic.

Jorrel Hato, one of Chelsea’s summer signings, has impressed so far.

Primarily a left-back, the young Dutchman is also capable of playing as a left-sided centre-back. However, that versatility still doesn’t fully solve the depth issue in the heart of defence.

Transfer window balancing act

Benoit Badiashile is among the players Chelsea are open to selling before the window shuts.

Reports suggest that a replacement for Colwill will only be pursued if Chalobah is also sold.

But Chalobah - another Cobham product - has proven his value, playing a role in Chelsea’s Club World Cup triumph.

Letting him go to accommodate a new signing would mean sacrificing homegrown experience at a time when defensive stability is already in question.

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