Maresca tells Chelsea's Champions League winner to leave Stamford Bridge

Enzo Maresca has hinted that Ben Chilwell's time at Chelsea may be coming to an end as the summer transfer window draws to a close. 

The England international has struggled to find consistent playing time under the Italian, who has expressed concerns about Chilwell's suitability for his tactical system.

Despite having a contract until 2027, the left-back has been sidelined for much of Chelsea's preseason preparations, recently missing the Blues’ last off-season fixture against Inter.

The head coach has suggested that Chilwell could be open to a transfer before the transfer window closes later this month. 

Maresca believes that a move away from Chelsea would be beneficial for both the player and the club, allowing the wide defender to seek more playing time elsewhere.

“Chilly [Chilwell] is with us but he has not been training for the last few days because he has been ill,” the Italian said.

“The reason he did not play versus Inter was because, with Chilly it is quite clear, even though I love the way he is, the problem is, he is struggling a bit to find the right position.

“This morning we had 22 players training and if you ask all of them they will say they want to play against City on Sunday. But that is impossible. When you train every day and do not get any minutes it is not good for them or for me.

“I need to make a decision and probably it is better to leave and go and get minutes. The transfer window is open so we’ll see what happens.”

The Blues host Manchester City on Sunday, August 18, in their Premier League opener at Stamford Bridge.