Maresca reveals reason he bombed out Chilwell & admits ‘shame’ over brutal axing

ENZO MARESCA has revealed the real reason he has bombed Ben Chilwell out of the Chelsea squad.

The defender has only made one appearance for the Blues this season.

Chilwell, 28, made his sole outing in the Carabao Cup and has not featured at all in the Premier League.

His lack of action has seen him linked with a move away, with both West Ham and Manchester United tipped as destinations.

Maresca spoke about Chilwell's future before the 2-2 draw against Bournemouth on Tuesday evening.

The manager - who has recalled Trevoh Chalobah from Crystal Palace - admitted he felt "shame" over the situation with the 21-cap England star.

He suggested that Chilwell has "worked hard" but could leave for more game time.

He said: "Because players want to play more so there's probably chances for them to leave.

"But Ben has been top. I have to say that, he has been top.

"Very professional, works hard. I feel shame because of that situation, but in terms of behaviour, he has been very good."

Maresca also insisted that the defender is not as capable of doing as much as his other options.

He added: "First of all, because it is my choice.

"And because I can see Malo Gusto, Reece James or Marc Cucurella doing different kinds of jobs during the game.

"I think Chilwell is a top full-back, doing that job up and down and given opportunities in the past to win titles and be in the national team, but I struggle to see Ben doing different kinds of things."

Chilwell is not the only player who could leave Stamford Bridge this month.

Renato Veiga has been heavily linked with a move to Borussia Dortmund.

He has reportedly agreed to join the German outfit just six months into his eight-year contract with Chelsea.

However, Maresca claimed he did not know of an agreement between the two parties.

He said: "I'm not aware that there is an agreement for Renato.

"Yesterday he was here working, today he will be working, so he's our player. We'll see if something happens.

"We bought Renato from Basel, he arrived and played well in different positions and allowed him to join the national team for the first time in his life.

"Even if he was not playing in his position [centre back], probably him playing for [the] international team means the position he is playing he is doing well.

"We are happy all players go to the international team, especially young players who join Chelsea, play in four or five different positions and gets the chance to play in the national team.

"We're very proud of that."

Chelsea's recent form has seen them fall out of the title race after winning just once in their previous six Premier League games.

The club's last victory came against Brentford on December 15, which has been followed by defeats to Ipswich and Fulham as well as draws to Everton, Crystal Palace and the Cherries.

This run of form has seen Maresca's side drop ten points behind league leaders Liverpool and to fourth place.