September 16th 2024.
Ben Chilwell has been welcomed back to Chelsea's first-team training, lifting his spirits after a period of being sidelined by Enzo Maresca. The left-back was seen smiling alongside the Blues' head coach, a clear sign that the two have put their past differences behind them.
Not too long ago, Maresca had made it known that Chilwell was not part of his plans for Chelsea and urged him to seek opportunities elsewhere before the summer transfer window closed. "With Chilly, it's quite clear," Maresca had stated last month. "Even though I love his personality, he's been struggling to find his right position on the field. It might be better for him to leave and get more playing time."
As a result, Chilwell was forced to train separately from the first-team, along with other players who were deemed surplus to requirements by Maresca. While some players like Raheem Sterling and Trevoh Chalobah were able to secure moves to new clubs, Chilwell remained at Chelsea as no suitable offers came in for him.
However, there was a glimmer of hope for Chilwell when he was included in Chelsea's Premier League squad for the upcoming 2024-25 season. And now, it seems that a truce has been reached between him and Maresca, as Chilwell was back in training on Monday, pictured laughing and joking with his coach.
Although he was not selected for Chelsea's Conference League squad, Chilwell is eligible to play in the Premier League and Carabao Cup matches. Maresca had previously stated that Chilwell was training separately because the club was looking for a potential move for him, but as that did not happen, he may now start training with the first-team again.
At just 27 years old, Chilwell still has a lot to offer and could potentially play an important role for Chelsea this season. However, with Marc Cucurella currently Maresca's preferred choice at left-back and new signing Renato Veiga providing cover, Chilwell's long-term future at the club may still be in doubt.
Despite this, there have been rumors of interest from Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town, who could make a move for Chilwell in the upcoming January transfer window. Only time will tell what the future holds for the talented left-back, but for now, he seems content to be back in training with his Chelsea teammates.
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