Levi Colwill missed Friday’s FA Cup clash with Aston Villa despite being initially named in Chelsea’s starting eleven. The 20-year-old was set to start at left-back but left the pitch with Chelsea’s physio during the warm-up.
He would be replaced by Alfie Gilchrist and Mauricio Pochettino explained why after the match. In quotes reported by Chelsea’s official website, Pochettino told reporters: “A small issue where he didn’t feel comfortable.”
Chelsea hope Colwill situation isn’t serious
Chelsea haven’t had much luck with injuries this season, so they’ll hope Colwill’s situation isn’t serious.
The Blues are currently without Wesley Fofana, Reece James. Marc Cucurella, Romeo Lavia, Christopher Nkunku, Malo Gusto, Robert Sanchez, Lesley Ugochukwu, Trevoh Chalobah and Nicolas Jackson, but Pochettino is expecting Colwill back much sooner.
He added: “We knew before (that) we maybe don’t start with him, but then he was ready to play. (However), he felt something, but it’s not a big issue. I hope he can train (soon).”
Colwill has made 27 appearances in all competitions this season, missing only one league game through injury. He’s a key player at the back for Chelsea, so they can’t afford to be without him for long.
Who is Alfie Gilchrist?
A young defender with a bright future who joined as an U11 from Queens Park Rangers. He can play in a back-three or back-four and was nominated for the PL2 Player of the Season award.
Gilchrist played for 65 minutes as Chelsea drew 0-0 with Villa, so a replay at Villa Park beckons. The 20-year-old made his seventh appearance at senior level and has racked up more than 150 minutes in all competitions.
Gilchrist had spent the majority of the season with the U23s and as an unused first-team substitute before December. He made his Premier League debut from the bench in Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Crystal Palace on December 27.
The 20-year-old then had a cameo appearance in Chelsea’s 3 -2 win over Luton on December 30. He started in the Blues’ FA Cup win over Preston North End on January 6 while coming off the bench in their EFL Cup defeat to Middlesbrough three days later.
Gilchrist followed that up with a substitute appearance against Fulham in the Premier League on January 13. And he was given 25 minutes in their EFL Cup win over Middlesbrough on January 23 before the Villa clash. Pochettino rates him highly, saying: “He was really good” in the FA Cup stalemate.
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