Ben Chilwell has hinted at leaving Chelsea in Enzo Maresca's stunning statement

admin August 17, 2024

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Ben Chilwell has hinted at leaving Chelsea in Enzo Maresca's stunning statement

Enzo Maresca has come out and told Chelsea vice-captain Ben Chilwell that it would be better if he left the team before the transfer window closes.

The 27-year-old was banned for just 21 appearances in all competitions last season and missed out on England's Euro 2024 squad after struggling to overcome a series of knee injuries.

Chilwell also missed three months of last season with a hamstring injury, meaning he has made 70 Premier League appearances for Chelsea since joining from Leicester City in August 2020 for £50m.

He was named Chelsea's vice-captain last summer by manager Mauricio Pochettino, and has had a limited pre-season under Maresca, who will be able to call upon Marc Cucurella and Levi Colwill at left back.

Speaking ahead of Chelsea's opening game against champions Manchester City, Maresca revealed that Chilwell has no future at the club and suggested he would be better off leaving west London for pastures new.

“Chilly [Chilwell] he is with us but in the past few days he has not finished himself because he has been sick,” said Maresca. “The reason why he doesn't play with Inter is because, with Chilly, it's very clear, although I like the way he is, the problem is that he is trying hard to find the right place.

Listen to 90 minute YouTube channel as Jacob Culshaw manages Scott Saunders, Kweku Afari and Dan Childs preview Chelsea's 2024/25 season under Enzo Maresca.

“This morning we had 22 players training and if you ask them they will all say they want to play against City on Sunday. But that is impossible. If you train every day and don't get minutes it's not good for them or me.

“I need to make a decision and maybe I'd better go get some minutes. The transfer window is open so we'll see what happens.”

Chelsea's gut-wrenching squad has been under scrutiny all summer, with further additions despite plenty of options at almost every position. That means a number of players – including Romelu Lukaku, Armando Broja, Trevoh Chalobah – have been told to train and leave the first team, knowing they have no future at Stamford Bridge.

“We spent 20 days in America with 28 or 29 players, so it was good to manage the squad,” added Maresca. “Now we have boys who are not part of the squad and are training separately.

“At the moment, it's not difficult, but when I start thinking that I have 43 players, it's not good.”