Premier League club Chelsea officially confirmed that 22-year-old England center-back Levi Colwell suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during pre-season training and had successfully undergone surgery on the same day.

The injury is expected to cause Colwell to miss most of the 2025-26 season. The club statement pointed out that Colwell returned to the Cobham base to participate in pre-season training at the beginning of this week, but was accidentally injured during a training session.

After a medical assessment, it was confirmed that surgery was required. Chelsea said: "Livar will now begin his rehabilitation and will be fully supported by the club's medical team throughout his recovery."

Based on past experience, the recovery period for anterior cruciate ligament injuries usually takes 6 to 9 months, which means that Colwell will miss the early part of the new season or even most of the schedule.

Colwell played 43 times for Chelsea in all competitions last season, was a key member of the team's defense, and helped the team win the Club World Cup in July. His absence will undoubtedly bring challenges to the squad deployment for the new season.

Chelsea finished fourth in the Premier League last season and will open the new season against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on August 17. The team will have to find a suitable defensive replacement at the beginning of the season to cope with Colwell's long-term absence.