Ben Chilwell’s future at Chelsea is currently considered uncertain, largely due to his injury-prone history throughout the 2023/24 season. Chilwell managed to make only 21 appearances last season,
with a mere 13 in the Premier League. This marks the second instance in his four seasons with Chelsea that he has missed a significant portion of matches due to injury.
Several factors contribute to the uncertainty surrounding Chilwell’s future at Chelsea. His persistent injury issues, the stiff competition for a place in the starting lineup, and a potential shift in strategy under new manager Enzo Maresca are all elements highlighted by the Daily Telegraph.
Chilwell joined Chelsea in 2020 from Leicester City for a £45 million fee, a move that greatly excited the fans. However, his time at Chelsea has been marred by injuries.
In November 2021, he suffered a major setback when he ruptured a cruciate ligament during a Champions League match against Juventus, an injury that required surgery and kept him sidelined for the remainder of the season.
During the 2022/23 season, Chilwell experienced two hamstring issues that were less severe but still significant enough to affect his availability.
The following season, 2023/24, he again faced lengthy absences due to more hamstring problems and a knee injury. Despite these challenges, Chilwell had a period of fitness during which he captained Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool in February.
Chilwell is contracted to Chelsea until the summer of 2027, but the arrival of Enzo Maresca as the new manager might lead to changes in the squad.
Even though Ian Maatsen is expected to move to Aston Villa in a high-profile transfer, other players like Marc Cucurella, who is performing well with Spain at Euro 2024, and Levi Colwill, who has also played on the left, present additional competition for Chilwell.
In addition to Chilwell, the futures of other Chelsea players such as Conor Gallagher and Trevor Chalobah are also uncertain. Gallagher, currently representing England at Euro 2024, is out of contract next year and has been strongly linked with moves to Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa.
Overall, while Ben Chilwell remains a talented player, his recurring injuries and the evolving dynamics within Chelsea’s squad under new management have cast doubt on his long-term role at the club.
The upcoming transfer decisions and Maresca’s strategic plans will likely play a significant role in determining whether Chilwell continues his journey with the Blues or seeks opportunities elsewhere.