ENZO MARESCA had a blunt response when asked about axing a Chelsea star from his squad.
The Blues boss was questioned on whether he regretted his decision.
Maresca is preparing for his side’s opening Conference League league phase match on Thursday night.
Chelsea host Belgian club Gent at Stamford Bridge after coming through a two-legged play-off against Servette.
Ahead of the league phase, Maresca had to submit a 25-player squad list for the competition.
However, Ben Chilwell was not included after his summer exile from the first-team.
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During Maresca’s pre-match press conference, he was asked if he regretted omitting the left-back due to his problems at full-back.
Amongst them is Reece James’ absence with a hamstring injury.
Maresca has no regrets, though, as he replied: “No, I don’t think so.”
Pressed for an answer specifically on leaving out Chilwell, he bluntly said: “No.”
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Chilwell was part of a group of players in Chelsea’s “bomb squad” during the summer transfer window.
He was the subject of reported interest from Manchester United after being made available for transfer but ultimately remained at the club.
The 27-year-old has since been recalled to the first-team and was named in Chelsea’s Premier League squad list.
He even made his return to action off the bench against Barrow in the Carabao Cup last week.
Chilwell has still yet to be named in a Premier League matchday squad, though.
Instead, he finds himself behind Marc Cucurella and Renato Veiga in the pecking order at left-back in Maresca’s plans.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
