Xabi Alonso says Levi Colwill substitution in Chelsea win was not injury-related

Xabi Alonso has played down concerns about Levi Colwill’s fitness after the Chelsea defender was substituted during the club’s 6-3 Carabao Cup victory over Leeds United.

Colwill started at centre-back at Stamford Bridge but was replaced by Wesley Fofana in the 76th minute. He went directly down the tunnel after coming off, prompting speculation that he had suffered another injury.

However, Alonso said the decision was not made because of a significant fitness problem.

Asked whether Colwill’s withdrawal was injury-related, Chelsea head coach Alonso said: “No, no. It is just from little things that he’s having, but we don’t expect that it’s an injury.”

The 22-year-old had already attracted attention earlier in the week when he was left on the bench for Chelsea’s 2-1 Premier League defeat by Arsenal, although he was fit enough to be included in the squad.

His return to the starting line-up against Leeds suggested the issue was limited. With the match opening up, Chelsea appeared unwilling to take unnecessary risks with the defender.

Colwill has established himself as an important part of Chelsea’s defence, meaning any further injury would have reduced Alonso’s options at the back.

Chelsea recovered from two goals down to beat Leeds 6-3 in the Carabao Cup, but attention quickly turned to Colwill after he left the field before the end of the match.

The Blues now have Premier League fixtures against Hull City and Brentford before the international break. Alonso’s comments mean Chelsea can set aside their immediate concerns over Colwill’s condition, with the manager not expecting the problem to develop into an injury.