Chelsea’s Maresca Anticipates Potential Departures of Chilwell and Chukwuemeka
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s head coach, has hinted at the possibility of Ben Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka seeking exits from the club in the upcoming January transfer window due to their limited playing time.
Both players have yet to make an appearance in the Premier League this season, and their absence from Maresca’s squad selections for the Conference League and League Cup suggests that they may be on their way out of Stamford Bridge.
Chilwell, the England international, was initially left out of the coach’s plans in August but made a brief return in September’s League Cup match against Barrow. However, he has not been able to secure a regular spot in the team since then. On the other hand, 21-year-old Chukwuemeka has mostly been used as a substitute.
“There are players who unfortunately have not had much playing time with us across all competitions, such as Chilwell and Carney,” Maresca commented ahead of Chelsea’s clash with Everton on Sunday. “Most likely, they are the first who will consider leaving because they train every day with the desire to play. If they aren’t getting minutes, they might be contemplating a departure.”
Maresca has utilized the less challenging European fixtures to give more playing time to players who have struggled to break into the Premier League squad. Chelsea topped their Conference League group, securing a spot in the last 16 and allowing for a break in European competitions until March.
Currently sitting in second place in the Premier League, Chelsea has the opportunity to temporarily overtake leaders Liverpool with a win against Everton on Sunday, while Arne Slot’s team plays later.
