Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca says he feels “shame” about excluding Ben Chilwell from the squad this season and admits the defender has been “very professional” after being left out.
The former Leicester full-back is yet to be named in a Premier League matchday squad this season and reports have emerged that he is looking for a way out of Stamford Bridge.
Chilwell’s time at Chelsea has been riddled with injuries and setbacks, but even when is fit, it seems he is not up the standard required of Maresca to play, even in the Europa Conference.
In fact, his only competitive appearance this season came in the 5-0 Carabao Cup win against Barrow back in September.
Speaking on the defender in his press conference, Maresca said: “We don’t need a player to go out. Simply because they are players who want to play more, there is a chance for them to leave.
“He has been top. Very professional. He works hard. I feel shame because of the situation but, in terms of behaviour, he has been very good.
Enzo Maresca has confirmed Reece, Romeo and Noni are all fit and available for #CHEBOU. 🔵🍒
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 13, 2025
“First of all because it is my choice. Reason why I said probably because I can see Malo Gusto, Reece James or Marc Cucrella doing different kind of job during the game.
“I think Chilwell is a top full-back, doing that job up and down and given opportunity in past to win titles and be in national team, but I struggle to see Ben doing different kind of things.”
Chilwell is reportedly free to leave the Blues this month, who are not expecting to recoup anywhere near the £50million they paid for him in 2020.
Whether he can find a club willing to pay his wages and offer regular first-team football is an entirely different question.
