“I feel shame” – Maresca opens up on lack of minutes for “very professional” Chelsea ace with exit looming | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca has lauded Ben Chilwell as “very professional” as he opened up on the reasons why the left back hasn’t been part of his plans.

The Blues have made a good start to the season and currently sit fourth in the league, although they are winless in their last four matches, with the gap to Newcastle in fifth now one point.

Chelsea returned to winning ways on Saturday with a 5-0 win against Morecambe in the FA Cup, but will be hoping to return to winning ways for the first time in four league games against Bournemouth on Tuesday night.

Maresca on why Chilwell isn’t part of his plans

The January window is now in full swing and the Blues were expected to be quiet, although that might change now given injuries to Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile, coupled with the fact Renato Veiga is pushing for an exit.

Outgoings are still expected to be the main priority with Carney Chukwuemeka told he can leave the club, whilst Cesare Casadei and Axel Disasi are attracting interest from Italy.

Another who’s been told they can leave is Chilwell, with Maresca making it clear to the England international he wasn’t part of the plans in pre-season.

Chilwell is expected to leave in January after playing just 45 minutes this season. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Other than some initial enquiries there’s not thought be much interest in Chilwell and Maresca has spoken about the left back ahead of the Bournemouth game.

“He has been top,” Maresca told his pre-match press conference when asked how Chilwell has dealt with his situation.

“I have to say that, he has been top; very professional, he works hard. I feel shame because of that situation but in terms of behaviour, he has been very good.”

Maresca went on to explain why Chilwell hasn’t been part of his plans and why he prefers what the other full backs bring.

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“First of all, because it is my choice. I can see Malo Gusto, Reece James or Cucurella doing different kind of jobs during the game.

“Chilwell is a top full-back, probably doing the job up and down and giving him the opportunity in the past to win titles, to be with international team but I struggle to see Ben doing different type of things.”