Chelsea Manager Considers January Departures for Chilwell and Chukwuemeka

Chelsea’s head coach, Enzo Maresca, has indicated his willingness for left-back Ben Chilwell and midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka to depart the club during the January transfer window. Maresca stated, “There are players that unfortunately didn’t play a lot with us in all the competitions, like Chilwell, like Carney,” adding, “Probably they’re the first that will want to leave because they work every day because they want to play.” Chilwell, aged 27, was informed in August that he was not included in the manager’s strategic plans and has made only a single appearance this season, which occurred in the second half of the Blues’ Carabao Cup victory against Barrow in September. Meanwhile, 21-year-old Chukwuemeka, who transferred from Aston Villa in January 2023, had featured in substitute roles during Conference League matches. Nevertheless, he was absent from the squad for Thursday’s 5-1 triumph over Shamrock Rovers. Maresca further commented, “If they don’t play probably they are thinking to leave.” He elaborated, “Each player has a different situation so we’ll see if anyone knocks the door and says I want to leave. We’ll try to find a solution.”