Of all the players who were being given their opportunity to impress Enzo Maresca last night, one name in particular stood out.
Ben Chilwell was a second half substitute for Chelsea, as the Blues ran out 5-0 winners over Barrow to book their place in the next round of the Carabao Cup.
Maresca hinted he had a plan in mind to use Chilwell which is why he decided to utilise him, weeks after it had been made clear that he had no way back at Stamford Bridge.
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The left-back got a warm reception from the home crowd, with it being a very real possibility during the summer transfer window that he would not be a Blue anymore.
Even after it shut for English clubs, there were still reports they were trying to shift him to a league that could still make signings.
Chelsea still want to sell Ben Chilwell in January
Now he is back in the squad for the first time, the question remains will he be seen as an important figure by Maresca again and compete for minutes with the likes of Marc Cucurella on a more regular basis.
However, Fabrizio Romano has stated that the plan still remains for Chilwell to be on the move when the transfer window opens again in January.
“For Ben Chilwell, we know Chelsea wanted to sell him in the summer. They didn’t find a solution, so he ended up staying at Chelsea.
“For Chelsea and Chilwell, the mission remains to part ways in January, or in any case in 2025. This will be the mission, and it doesn’t change, despite the player returning to training.”
Marc Cucurella key for Enzo Maresca
Cucurella has proven himself to be crucial to Maresca’s system at Chelsea, and is likely one of the first names on the teamsheet at this stage.
With his abilities playing inside important to his game, it isolates Chilwell as a different profile who may not be able to play his best football for the current side.
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