Levi Colwill reveals Xabi Alonso demand after nightmare Chelsea injury – Read Chelsea F.C.

Levi Colwill’s Chelsea return has given the defender renewed motivation after a serious knee injury disrupted almost his entire 2025/26 campaign.

The academy graduate says he feels stronger physically and mentally as he prepares to work under Xabi Alonso.

Colwill suffered knee ligament damage on the opening day of pre-season last summer. He spent most of the campaign completing his rehabilitation at Cobham before returning during the closing weeks.

The England international is now in Australia and could feature against Western Sydney Wanderers in Chelsea’s first public friendly under Alonso.

Levi Colwill’s Chelsea return brings fresh Alonso opportunity

“I’m ready to go,” Colwill told Chelsea’s official website.

“I think having a tiny taste at the end of last season gave me that extra motivation to come back to pre-season with that fire in my belly.”

Colwill described his recovery as a difficult period but believes the experience made him stronger. He must now rebuild his match sharpness and establish himself within Alonso’s preferred defence.

The 23-year-old has also welcomed Alonso’s demand for Chelsea’s defenders to play bravely in possession. Colwill believes the approach suits his ability to begin attacks and use his passing range from the back.

“He wants us to express ourselves and have the freedom to play passes and show off your qualities on the ball,” Colwill said. “It’s perfect for me.”

Colwill could partner Aaron Anselmino against Western Sydney Wanderers, with ReadChelsea’s latest match previewplacing both defenders in the predicted starting lineup.

Levi Colwill’s Chelsea return gives Alonso a left-footed centre-back comfortable progressing possession. The next step is building his fitness without placing unnecessary strain on a player returning from a long absence.