Ben Chilwell Returns to Chelsea First-Team Training After Maresca’s Rejection: Future Uncertain Amid January Transfer Links
Ben Chilwell has returned to first-team training with Chelsea after being sidelined by head coach Enzo Maresca. The Chelsea boss had previously made it clear that Chilwell, despite being highly regarded, was not part of his plans and had urged the left-back to seek a transfer before the summer window closed.
Chilwell had been training separately from the main squad, along with other players deemed surplus to requirements, such as Raheem Sterling and Trevoh Chalobah, both of whom eventually found new clubs.
However, a move for Chilwell did not materialize, and signs of reconciliation have emerged as the 27-year-old was included in Chelsea’s Premier League squad for the 2024-25 season.
Recent images of Chilwell smiling and interacting with Maresca in training suggest that a truce has been reached, and the player is now back training with the first team.
While Chilwell was excluded from Chelsea’s UEFA Conference League squad, he remains eligible for Premier League and Carabao Cup matches, with the latter offering him a potential route back into the starting lineup.
Maresca had commented on the situation last week, noting that although Chilwell was not initially part of the team, circumstances had changed: “The idea was for him to leave, but because we didn’t find a solution, he’s probably going to start training with us.”
Though Marc Cucurella remains Maresca’s preferred left-back, Chilwell will hope to make an impression and earn more playing time.
Despite his return to the squad, Chilwell’s long-term future at Chelsea remains uncertain, with Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town reportedly interested in signing him during the January transfer window.
Ben Chilwell Returns to Chelsea First-Team Training After Maresca’s Rejection: Future Uncertain Amid January Transfer Links