Jadon Sancho gives wordless reaction as Ben Chilwell makes first Chelsea appearance of the season

Add as preferred source on Google

Ben Chilwell came in from the cold to make his first appearance of the season during Chelsea’s win in the Carabao Cup last night.

Chelsea thrashed League Two side Barrow 5-0 at Stamford Bridge in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

Blues head coach Enzo Maresca made 11 changes to his side to highlight the strength in depth in the squad, plus there were some interesting substitutes. For example, Ben Chilwell entered the action at half time for his first appearance of the 2024/25 campaign.

It’s widely covered that Maresca exiled Chilwell from his main squad during the summer as Chelsea attempted to move him on. However, the 27-year-old left-back ended up staying in west London and he’s since been reintegrated to the first-team group.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano reports on The Here We Go Podcast that Chilwell’s agents are already exploring potential moves for 2025. In the meantime, it’s fantastic to see the English defender back involved with the squad and on the pitch again.

• READ MORE: Enzo Maresca shares why he decided to play Ben Chilwell in Chelsea’s Carabao Cup win

Jadon Sancho reacts to Ben Chilwell appearance

Chilwell uploaded a message on Instagram after getting his first minutes of the season for Chelsea on Tuesday evening.

He’s received some great responses in the comment section from several teammates, including a fingers crossed and heart emoji from Jadon Sancho.

Ben Chilwell stats against Barrow

Chilwell did catch the eye during his second-half display against Barrow, where he was obviously desperate to prove a point. It’s worth noting that he got a fantastic reception from the home supporters when he entered the action, too.

FotMob data has provided the individual statistics from Chilwell’s cup performance in midweek:

• Match rating – 7.1
• Minutes played – 45
• Touches – 36
• Accurate passes – 24/28 (86%)
• Chances created – 2
• Tackles won – 1/3 (33%)
• Clearances – 1
• Ground duels won – 3/3 (100%)
• Aerial duels won – 1/1 (100%)

It’s obvious that Marc Cucurella and Renato Veiga are the preferred left-backs in the current pecking order, but we think Chilwell could be a useful option in these cup games due to the sheer amount of fixtures.