Chelsea could turn to Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi for defensive cover after losing Levi Colwill to an unfortunate injury.
Guehi has long been linked with a move away from Palace, but nothing has materialised.
Liverpool and Newcastle United are also in the running for Guehi’s services.
Chelsea Face Defensive Setback After Levi Colwill’s ACL Injury
Chelsea defender Levi Colwill sustained an ACL injury on Monday, during the players’ first training session after their Club World Cup win.
The injury did not appear severe at first, but alarm bells went off when he missed Chelsea’s CWC celebrations on Wednesday. On Thursday, the Englishman underwent surgery and now faces a lengthy time on the sidelines.
We are all behind you bro. You will be back stronger. 💙 @levi_colwill pic.twitter.com/FbIHXOO4Gl
— Trevoh Chalobah (@TrevohChalobah) August 7, 2025
Chelsea’s official statement reads:
“Defender Levi Colwill has today undergone successful surgery an anterior cruciate ligament injury. The 22-year-old had reported back to Cobham for pre-season at the start of this week, before unfortunately sustaining the injury in training.
“Medical assessments confirmed surgery would be the required course of action. Levi will now begin his recovery and be supported by the club’s medical department at Cobham during his rehabilitation phase.”
An ACL injury typically requires a recovery time of between six and nine months. Even if Colwill does not suffer any setbacks, he is unlikely to return to the pitch before February.
Marc Guehi Chelsea Transfer Odds Shorten After Levi Colwill Injury
Levi Colwill is one of the best defenders at Enzo Maresca’s disposal. With him facing a long spell on the sidelines, Chelsea are likely to look for replacements. Of those available, Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi seems the obvious pick, and football betting sites appear to agree.
Since Colwill’s injury, Guehi to Chelsea transfer odds have noticeably shifted. Before the Blues announced the setback, Guehi to Chelsea transfer odds were hovering at 10/1. At the time of writing, odds have dropped to 3/1, and they are likely to shift further.
Get Marc Guéhi in as soon as possible. Keep Viega at the club as backup, and put trust in Hato to handle the hybrid role. Chalobah and Tosin need to step up and lead from the back, while we hope Fofana can stay fit for more than half the season. Also, keep Aaron Anselmino around… pic.twitter.com/oJiqoX5uoB
— Adjor🔱 (@thekingadjor) August 7, 2025
Bookies are backing Crystal Palace to hold on to Guehi for now, but with Chelsea charging, things could turn quickly.
On Thursday morning, Liverpool, at 5/4, were looking the most likely candidate to prize Guehi away from Palace, with Newcastle United second at 5/1. Now, the Reds’ odds have dropped to 2/1 with Newcastle going to 8/1.
Chelsea Are Genuine Contenders to Sign Guehi
Liverpool have been pushing for Marc Guehi for a while, but as per reports, Crystal Palace are unhappy with their offers. The Eagles have reportedly turned down two Liverpool offers for Guehi, despite the player having less than a year on his contract.
Palace supposedly value Guehi at £50 million, which could be a step too far for the Reds after the blockbuster transfer window they have had. After breaking the British transfer record for Florian Wirtz, they are reportedly lining up an even bigger bid for Alexander Isak.
Colwill injury massive for Chelsea. He’s the only CB I trust to be a long term starter for Chels.
Integral on and off the ball. Hato can fill in v weaker opponents physically but wouldn’t trust to start every week in a back 4.
Guehi for me no brainer for Chelsea AND Liverpool. pic.twitter.com/DoyJ2MHMkJ
— Pythagoras In Boots ⚽️ (@pythaginboots) August 7, 2025
Chelsea, meanwhile, have not spent as much on transfers this summer, with £60 million man Joao Pedro being their most expensive signing. After losing a player of Levi Colwill’s quality, it seems more than likely that the Blues would not hesitate to go after Guehi.
Chelsea also included a 20% sell-on clause in Guehi’s contract to Palace. They could leverage the clause to negotiate a better deal.
Lastly, since Guehi came through Cobham before his switch to Palace, personal agreement should not be a problem. If Chelsea can pull this off, they will start the 2025/26 season as one of the contenders for the Premier League title.
