Maresca treatment makes 'no sense' to forgotten Chelsea star

Suraj Radia

11 Sept 2024 19:15 BST
3 min read

Enzo Maresca, Chelsea, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Chelsea’s treatment of Ben Chilwell is said to make ‘no sense’ to those close to the player, with the forgotten defender likely to spend the first half of this season out in the cold at Stamford Bridge.

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Chilwell was part of Chelsea’s infamous ‘bomb squad’ this summer, which saw a host of players told to train away from Enzo Maresca’s first team as they were not part of his plans going forward.

However, while the likes of Raheem Sterling, Trevoh Chalobah and Armando Broja eventually found moves away on deadline day, a transfer for Chilwell never materialised and the 27-year-old is at risk of spending the next four months in limbo with his future unresolved.

There had been hope that a move to Turkey would manifest for Chilwell, with the Turkish transfer window still open until Friday, but it appears such a deal is not likely barring a dramatic change.

Chilwell had been hoping to be included in Chelsea’s squad for the Europa Conference League in order to stay match fit, however that has not been the case, and now he is also set to be left out of the 25-man list for the Blues’ Premier League registration.

According to the Daily Mail, sources close to Chilwell believe it makes ‘no sense’ for him to go unused until January, believing it is better for him to be in the shop window to help generate interest for a future move.

© IMAGO - Ben Chilwell was a fan favourite at Chelsea.

Chilwell's set to remain in exile for indefinite future

Chilwell’s only chance of playing for Chelsea would be in the Carabao Cup, with the Blues set to face Barrow later this month, although it would be a shock to see him involved in any capacity.

Maresca had described Chilwell as a ‘lovely guy’, with his professionalism never coming into question, while Chelsea would be willing to cover some of his wages to see him depart, as they did with Sterling’s loan move to Arsenal.\

Current ETV

Ben Chilwell

D, M (L)

Chelsea

Ben Chilwell

D, M (L)

Chelsea

ETV Range

€14.4M - €24M

However, Chilwell’s wages in excess of €200,000-per-week, along with his injury concerns, were thought to have put off the likes of Manchester United this summer, while Brentford did not even consider the England international despite being in search of a left-back.

Despite being Chelsea’s vice-captain last season and costing €50 million in 2020, it remains to be seen how the club handles the remaining three years of Chilwell’s contract at Stamford Bridge.