Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has explained his decision to exclude Ben Chilwell from the squad for their FA Cup third-round match against Morecambe, despite the possibility that it could have been a farewell appearance for the defender. Chilwell, who is expected to leave the club this month, will not feature in the match as Chelsea aims to offload him during the January transfer window.
Maresca also confirmed that midfielders Carney Chukwuemeka and Cesare Casadei would miss the game, with all three players deemed surplus to requirements. Chelsea is actively seeking either loan deals or permanent transfers for them before the window closes.
This decision puts an end to speculation about Chilwell’s participation, with Maresca stating that it would be unwise to risk the player. He remarked, “I didn’t need to discuss it with Ben, just like I didn’t with Cesare. For them, it’s probably better to handle things the way we plan to tomorrow.”
Chilwell, who joined Chelsea from Leicester City for £50 million in 2020, has had a tumultuous time at Stamford Bridge, marked by injuries and limited playing time. He was part of the team that won the 2021 Champions League but has struggled with fitness, managing only nine league appearances last season. This season, he has featured just once as a substitute in the Carabao Cup.
Chilwell was also part of last summer’s “bomb squad,” a group of players deemed surplus to requirements and training away from the first team. Though he returned to the squad after a move fell through, his future at Chelsea remains uncertain.
When asked if Chilwell might be given a final chance to play, Maresca dismissed the idea, saying, “I think Ben wants to play from the start, not just tomorrow. Unfortunately, he hasn’t had minutes under my decisions. Giving him a chance now would be pointless.”
Chelsea’s decision to leave Chilwell out of the lineup, along with Chukwuemeka and Casadei, is to minimize the risk of injury and ensure their transfers proceed smoothly. Playing Chilwell against a League Two side like Morecambe could not only jeopardize his health but also make him cup-tied, further complicating potential moves.
If Chilwell departs in January, his Chelsea career will be remembered for both its successes, like winning the Champions League, and its challenges, including frequent injuries and a lack of regular playing time.
