ALL IS WELL
Enzo Maresca opens door for £200,000-a-week Chelsea outcast to return to fold and says ‘we all make mistakes’
Maresca also explained thinking behind original decision about star
ENZO MARESCA has opened the door for Chelsea outcast Ben Chilwell to return after admitting: “We all make mistakes.”
The Italian oversaw a major clear-out this summer, with Conor Gallagher the highest-profile victim.
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Maresca also chopped the likes of Raheem Sterling and Trevoh Chalobah into a "bomb squad" as he made several new signings.
But Chilwell could now be set for a spectacular return to first-term proceedings.
The £200,000-a-week defender was one of the players axed from Chelsea’s senior squad.
But unlike Sterling and Co, left-back Chilwell was unable to find a new club despite links with Manchester United.
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And after making his first appearance of the campaign in Tuesday’s 5-0 Carabao Cup win against Barrow, he could soon be back in regular action.
Chilwell, 27, came off the bench at half-time to replace Malo Gusto.
And he took up a hybrid role on the flank which also saw him cut inside on several occasions.
Chelsea fans gave a loud cheer when Chilwell’s name was read out by the Stamford Bridge announcer.
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But it remains unclear whether his long-term future remains in London after his initial snub.
However, Maresca appears to have been left impressed by Chilwell’s attitude.
Chelsea player ratings from 5-0 win over Barrow
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Chelsea’s Italian gaffer said: “In the moment we need him, for sure, why not?
“I will say again in the moment he is with us, he is one of the Chelsea players and one of our players.
“If we need we will give him chances and minutes.
“We all make mistakes. I had to make a decision; sometimes they are good and sometimes not.
“There is not any bad intention from me. It was just to try and think of the best thing for the club.”
Chilwell has been at Chelsea since 2020 after a £45million move from Leicester.
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He’s played 107 times for the Blues, with injuries taking their toll in several seasons.
But Chilwell has endeared himself to fans by helping Chelsea win the Champions League and Club World Cup.
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