Chelsea consider Ben Chilwell return

As per  'The Telegraph', Chelsea could consider taking a surprising U-turn to reintegrate the previously exiled star Ben Chilwell in the squad. The left-back was told he was free to leave the club by new boss Enzo Maresca - thus not featuring in Chelsea's first three fixtures - and was close to joining the Super Lig, though the transfer never materialised. Whilst the summer window in Turkey does not shut until tonight, the player is very unlikely to salvage a deal to Turkey before in these last hours.  

Chilwell's career seemed to flourish at the beginning of his journey at the Bridge, joining Chelsea after spending almost his entire professional career at Leicester City. However, his inability to stay fit has compromised his time at the club - the player has suffered 13 injuries in just over 4 years at Chelsea so far. While it was looking like his career at Stamford Bridge was dead in the water, Chilwell could now find himself included in Chelsea's 25-man squad for the 2024/2025 Premier League season.

Despite Chilwell's hopes to make a return, Maresca has reportedly made it clear to the player that even if he or any other unwanted players stay at the club after the transfer window, their involvement in the pitch will not be guaranteed as they will have to prove themselves. Doing just that might result somewhat difficult for him though, especially given the Englishman is excluded from Chelsea's UEFA Conference League squad.

In a pre-season interview the Italian manager has stated: "It's quite clear, I love the way he is but the problem is that he struggles with us a little bit to find his best position. This morning we had 22 players training, and if you ask all of them they will say they want to play against City on Sunday but that is impossible. When they train every day and do not get any minutes, it is not good for them or for me, [as] I need to make a decision. It is probably better to leave and get minutes [elsewhere]. The transfer window is open so we'll see what happens."

However with the absences of Gusto, Lavia, and captain Reece James, due to injuries, Chilwell has had opportunities to join first-team training, crucial as a means to prove himself to the manager. The two-time European champions are back in action on Saturday against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium - a ground in which Chelsea have only won once in their last four visits.

 

September 13, 2024