"We all make mistakes" - Enzo Maresca open to adding £50 million star back to Chelsea starting XI
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has revealed that there is a chance Ben Chilwell will return to his side's starting XI and get minutes in the Premier League this season.
The England international was made to train separately from the first team in the summer, like Raheem Sterling, after Maresca made it clear that the Chelsea duo would not receive any minutes during his tenure.
While Sterling made his loan switch to Arsenal in search of game time, Chilwell remained with the west Londoners after the window closed. Speaking to the media last week, Maresca revealed that Chilwell was ready to leave the club but admitted he would consider using him this campaign.
The former Leicester City defender then made his first appearance for the Blues this season in their EFL Cup win over Barrow on Wednesday (25 September), replacing Malo Gusto for the second period.
Maresca has now suggested more game time for the Englishman in the Premier League could be on the cards. When asked about Chilwell's chances, the Italian said (via Metro):
"Yeah, in the moment that we need, for sure, why not? I’ve said many times and I will say again, in the moment Chilly is with us he’s one of the Chelsea players, he’s one of our players and if we need we’ll give him a chance and minutes."
When asked whether he made a mistake casting out Chilwell from the squad initially, Maresca replied:
"We all make mistakes, probably yes, probably no, I don’t know. I’ve said many times, I’m here to many times I’m here to make decisions, and sometimes they’re good decisions, sometimes they’re not good."
The Blues will next face Brighton & Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge on Saturday (28 September).
Enzo Maresca heaps praise on Chelsea star ahead of Brighton clash
Enzo Maresca has hailed Chelsea star Marc Cucurella for his influence and leadership in the team. He insisted that the Spanish defender is an integral player who continually improves his fellow teammates.
Speaking to reporters ahead of his side's clash against Brighton this weekend, Maresca was asked about Cucurella's importance in the squad. He replied (via football.london):
"Marc is very important. Marc has something you sometimes struggle to find in players. Marc is good. He is also making good the players around him because he is a guy that is always talking, always demanding and when you have five, six or seven players like Marc, always talking and improving the other players, it is something important. I'm very happy with Marc."
Chelsea signed Cucurella from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2022 for a reported £62 million fee (including add-ons). The EURO 2024 winner has made 64 appearances since his arrival at Stamford Bridge, contributing a goal and four assists.