Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca makes admission on Chalobah future

Since July 8, the Blues' heavily-populated crop of players have been attempting to impress new head coach Maresca ahead of the pre-season tour of the United States.

On Monday evening, a 28-player squad was announced for a trip that will include five friendlies, starting with a clash against Wrexham on Wednesday night.

However, the absence of Chalobah from the list was notable, particularly when the defender had starred during the closing stages of the 2023-24 campaign when Mauricio Pochettino was struggling with injuries.

Chelsea did not lose any of the 10 Premier League fixtures that the 25-year-old started in 2023-24, accumulating a total of 24 points.

Nevertheless, it has been widely reported that co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital plan to cash in on the versatile academy graduate as soon as possible.

Chalobah stance made clear

Since then, Chalobah has allegedly decided to fight for his place at Stamford Bridge, insisting that he will not be forced to join a club that does not suit his preferences.

Furthermore, a video was uploaded to social media from the player's personal trainer, encouraging him to keep working towards his goals.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, though, Maresca has suggested that he does not expect to be using Chalobah in his squad for the upcoming campaign.

The Italian told reporters: "From my point of view, it's always sad to leave players out - pre-season, squad, first 11. They work everyday for the same target.

"Trevoh situation is quite clear. We have Axel (Disasi), Tosin (Adarabioyo), Wes (Fofana) - who is finally back - some young profiles."

Are Chelsea backing themselves into a corner?

Within six months of their arrival at Chelsea in May 2022, Boehly and Clearlake had handed Chalobah a contract that runs until the end of 2027-28.

Although Chalobah was part of a struggling team in 2022-23, leading to him being made available for transfer, he barely put a foot wrong under Pochettino.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims that Chelsea want to recoup at least £30m for Chalobah, yet their position has automatically been weakened by the player being omitted from Maresca's plans.

Offers are likely to arrive in due course, although Chalobah is allegedly keen to join a club that is participating in Europe should he decide to leave West London.