New Delhi: Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Ben Chilwell and Cesar Casadei have been removed from the Blues’ squad during the January transfer window. The pair have struggled to get game time this season, with Chilwell making just one appearance against Barrow.
Ben Chilwell, who has made over 100 appearances since joining from Leicester City in 2020 and won the Champions League in his debut season, has been out of favour under Maresca. The 28-year-old has been in exile since the manager’s arrival and has spent most of the time on the sideline.
Casadei, on the other hand, was a regular in Chelsea’s Conference League squad before his dismissal during the Blues’ win against Heidenheim. Maresca has opted for Marc Cucurella in Chilwell’s defensive role, while Renato Veiga and Malo Gusto have been preferred on the left flank.
Enzo Maresca’s tactical decisions
On Friday, speaking ahead of Chelsea’s FA Cup match against Morecambe, he confirmed that the pair will not feature in his squad and will be allowed to make a move if the right deal is found in January. He said, “Yes, Cesare will not be in the squad. It is more or less the same situation as Ben Chilwell.”
The Italian manager also discussed the future of Casadei, whether he will depart on a permanent deal or loan. He said, “I don’t know. He is a good player, but we already have many good players (Caicedo, Enzo and Lavia) in that position already, so he didn’t get the minutes.”
It looks like Ben Chilwell’s time at Chelsea is coming to an end…#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/blWPVBKQbo
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) January 10, 2025
Future uncertainty for both players
Casadei has attracted interest from Serie A giants Napoli and Torino, with discussions ongoing about whether he will leave on loan or a permanent deal. Meanwhile, Chilwell could be heading to West Ham, pending an agreement.
🚨 Graham Potter is seeking a reunion with Chelsea outcast Ben Chilwell as his first West Ham signing. [FootballTransfers] pic.twitter.com/6sZTo7AfP1
— CFC-Blues (@CFCBlues_com) January 10, 2025
Though Kieran Dewsbury-Hall has made just five substitute appearances so far in the league, he joined the Blues last year from Leicester City following Meresca’s appointment to Chelsea. Despite this, Meresca affirmed the midfielder’s future remains bright at the West London team.
Chelsea’s injury concerns
The Italian manager is currently managing a squad facing injury challenges. Meresca is without Wesley Fofana, whose hamstring injury may sideline him for the entire season, and Benoit Badiashile, who is expected to return in February.
Well, it remains to be seen where Chilwell and Casadei will end up, but their time at Chelsea appears to be coming to an end.
Ben Chilwell and Cesar Casadei face Chelsea exits after being dropped by Enzo Maresca. Discover the clubs interested in signing them during the January transfer window. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
