Levi Colwill Injury News - Chelsea Star’s Injury, Potential Return Date and Latest Updates

Light at the End of the Tunnel: Colwill Could Return Before Summer Break

In the last 24 hours, Chelsea FC has been awash with good news on the injury front, with a number of star players said to be edging closer to full fitness and a first-team return.

Chief amongst these is centre-back Levi Colwill; the English centre-back suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury during pre-season in the wake of Chelsea’s Club World Cup success, and it quickly became clear that the injury would require reconstructive surgery, which he duly underwent in August.

There was further good for the Chelsea midfield too, as Romeo Lavia, who has been out since November with a quad injury, is supposedly getting close to a full recovery, and just in the nick of time – Moises Caicedo is two yellow cards away from a two-match ban, a period in which Lavia’s availability will prove critical.

Colwill Back in (Light) Training

Colwill was one of Chelsea’s most consistent and most-improved players across the 2024/25 season, and his growing leadership at the back helped his side to trophy double trouble, as they lifted the UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup.

🚨 Levi Colwill is getting closer to returning from the ACL injury that has kept him out for most of the 2025-26 season. pic.twitter.com/g24o8JeYyj

— SHAYEE 𒀭 (@tier_1st) January 5, 2026

2025/26 was tipped to be a breakout year for the young star, but his severe pre-season injury put a halt to all conversation as he focused on recovery. The 22-year-old has been out for the best part of six months now, and his absence has been a huge blow to Chelsea’s ability to challenge this season. However, there are signs that their star defender is now on the mend.

A couple of weeks ago, new coach Liam Rosenior confirmed to the press that Colwill had returned to the pitch as he underwent the next stage of his rehab, taking part in some light, non-strenuous exercises, and as a result, speculation began to mount about when he would return to the first team, with some saying it would happen as soon as early April.

However, Matt Law has taken a more conservative approach and has advised that no pressure be put on the young defender to return to full fitness before the season is over: “There’s a bit of word that they (Chelsea) hope he will play again this season – I'd be surprised (if he does).”

“Quite a lot of the time, when you see these players come back for training, it can get quite exciting, but they’re a long way off actual proper training. It makes no sense to start putting any pressure on Colwill.”

The Chelsea man had become a regular in the England setup under Thomas Tuchel before his injury, and while a Chelsea return this season could prove beyond his reach, he still stands an outside chance of making the England side at the World Cup. However, due to lack of match sharpness and rustiness after such a long stint out of the game, the England coach will likely go for someone with more consistent minutes under their belt.

Lavia Nears Full Fitness

In a further positive update from the Chelsea physio room, the injury-prone Lavia is nearing a return from his latest injury setback.

The 22-year-old Belgian has encountered severe struggles for fitness since his £58 million move to Chelsea from Southampton – in fact, in his two-and-a-half seasons in West London, he is yet to complete a full 90 minutes for the club.

BREAKING NEWS 🔵🚨
Romeo Lavia RETURNS to first-team training at Chelsea , major boost as injury nightmare nears end

Manager Liam Rosenior has confirmed the 22-year-old Belgian midfielder is back training with the squad after months out.

Lavia has been sidelined since early… pic.twitter.com/L7QX0zeQDP

— Maureen86 (@Queenofsoccer86) February 19, 2026

His injury, sustained back in November in Chelsea's Champions League clash with Qarabag, was expected to keep him out for around four weeks or so – 12 weeks later, and there was still no sign of him. Safe to say, Chelsea fans will be grateful for the recent positive update.

According to Matt Law, “Lavia is meant to be quite close (to returning) now. You’re just very reluctant to start counting (on) him.”

Universally seen as squad depth for Chelsea’s star ball-winning midfielder, Moises Caicedo, Lavia’s return could be tantamount to how the last three months of Chelsea’s season go. With Caicedo close to a two-game suspension, Lavia’s ability to fill the void left by the Ecuadorian is vital – capable of wriggling out of tight spots and an excellent progressive midfielder, the Belgian offers critical balance in the middle of the park.

However, the Blues will not want to rush the midfielder back into the first-team squad – instead, they may delay his return until Caicedo does officially pick up his two-game suspension, allowing as much time as possible for a full recovery.