Enzo Maresca admits he wanted Ben Chilwell to leave Chelsea as defender set for return in Carabao Cup
The England international has not featured for the Blues since April but is expected to play against Barrow in the League Cup
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell is poised to come back from the cold to make his first appearance of the season during Tuesday’s Carabao Cup clash with League Two leaders Barrow.
The England left-back looked set to leave the Blues in the summer after being told he had no future at Stamford Bridge.
Head coach Enzo Maresca last week announced the situation had changed and now plans to name Chilwell in his matchday squad for the third-round cup tie after welcoming him back into first-team training.
Asked if the 27-year-old will feature, Maresca said: “I think so. Hopefully we can give him some minutes tomorrow.
“The idea for him was to leave. In the moment that he’s here, he’s one of the squad, he’s training. He will be in the squad tomorrow and hopefully we can give him some minutes.”
Chilwell’s last competitive appearance was a two-minute cameo in Chelsea’s 1-0 FA Cup semi-final loss to Manchester City on April 20.
He was hampered by hamstring and knee injuries last term and has not started a game since England’s 2-2 friendly draw with Belgium on March 26.
Maresca plans to rotate his squad for the visit of an in-form team sitting 64 places lower in the football pyramid.
The Italian urged his fringe players to make the most of the opportunity.
“They are players that train every day very good but unfortunately I cannot give them chances,” he said.
“All the players that are not getting so many chances, tomorrow is a good chance for them to get minutes and to hopefully win a game.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments