(DDM) – Chelsea’s defensive troubles have intensified ahead of the 2025/26 season, with injuries leaving manager Enzo Maresca short of reliable centre-back options.
The Blues suffered a major blow after Levi Colwill, considered their best central defender, sustained an ACL injury in pre-season training.
The setback could rule Colwill out for the entire campaign, putting added strain on the squad’s depth at the back.
Trevoh Chalobah also picked up a knock against AC Milan in pre-season, leaving his availability for the opener against Crystal Palace in doubt.
With Benoit Badiashile still sidelined and Renato Veiga and Axel Disasi expected to leave, Maresca may have to hand 18-year-old Josh Acheampong a Premier League debut.
While Tosin Adarabioyo is set to start, Wesley Fofana’s potential return from injury comes with the risk of throwing him straight into high-intensity action without pre-season minutes.
These concerns have reignited Chelsea’s interest in Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie, a 22-year-old Ecuadorian defender valued at over €60 million.
According to Bolavip, Chelsea are prepared to make a decisive move for Hincapie in the coming weeks, depending on how the current backline performs early in the season.
Hincapie is highly rated for his pace, aggression, and composure, and has become a key figure for both Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen and the Ecuador national team.
However, prising him away could prove difficult, as Leverkusen have already lost stars Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong this summer.
Losing another cornerstone may be a step too far unless Chelsea present an irresistible offer.
For now, Chelsea’s decision hinges on whether their makeshift defence can cope with early-season challenges—or if Maresca must demand urgent reinforcements.