Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has suggested that he plans on reintegrating Ben Chilwell back into the first-team squad.
During the early weeks of pre-season training and a number of friendly matches, it became clear that the left-back did not feature in the plans of the newly-appointed boss.
Maresca has acknowledged himself that the England international does not necessarily fit the style of play or possess the ideal understanding for what he wants out of the inverted full-back role.
Marc Cucurella and new signing Renato Veiga are regarded as ahead of Chilwell in the pecking order, with Levi Colwill and Malo Gusto also capable of deputising in the position if required.
As a result, Chilwell was one of approximately 15 players who were omitted from first-team training in anticipation that they would be sold or loaned elsewhere.
© Imago
'We will find a solution'
Even with the transfer deadline passing for the majority of the high-profile leagues, there has remained the possibility of Chilwell moving to a Turkish side on a temporary basis.
However, at a press conference on Friday, Maresca seemingly ended any speculation regarding Chilwell's future by revealing that he is planning on bringing him back into the senior fold.
Speaking to reporters, Maresca said: "Ben is probably the only one that is still here, so now we are going to sit with him and find a solution.
"He is the only one, so he is probably back with us in training sessions and we shall see, because he is not training with us.
The Italian added: "The reason why he is training apart is because the idea was for him to leave, but because we did not find any solution, he is here and is probably going to start to train with us. We need to decide that.
"If that is what we decide, he will be one other player."
© Imago
Is any game time realistic?
Despite Maresca's comments, Chilwell has already been left out of Chelsea's squad for their six Europa Conference League matches.
While the 27-year-old could theoretically come back into contention for Premier League matches, that appears something that is highly unlikely in the short term.
Chelsea play host to Barrow in the EFL Cup third round on September 24, that being the expected return date to the squad for Chilwell should Maresca proceed with involving him going forward.
Darren Plant
