Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has said he expects Ben Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka to seek a move away from Stamford Bridge in the January transfer window.
The English duo have been largely out of Maresca’s plans this season, with Chilwell limited to just 45 minutes in the Carabao Cup and Chukwuemeka making only one start in the UEFA Conference League.
Maresca believes both players will be among the first to request a move as they seek more playing time elsewhere.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s game against Everton at Goodison Park, Enzo Maresca said: “There are players that unfortunately didn’t play a lot with us in all the competitions, like Chilwell, like Carney.
“Probably they’re the first that will want to leave because they work every day because they want to play.
“If they don’t play probably they are thinking to leave.
“Each player has a different situation so we’ll see if anyone knocks the door and says I want to leave.
“We’ll try to find a solution.”
Captain Reece James is edging closer to a return from his latest hamstring injury, with Maresca stating: “It doesn’t mean he’s going to be with us on Sunday or next Sunday.
“The plan is part of the session he’ll be with the team then from there to try to build the right conditions for him.”
Chelsea secured a dominant 5-1 victory over Shamrock Rovers at home in the Conference League on Thursday night, with young striker Marc Guiu netting a first-half hat-trick.
However, the team is expected to see significant changes for Sunday’s clash against Everton.
Midfielder Romeo Lavia will not be available for the Toffees match, with Maresca stating: “Romeo [Lavia] probably will struggle to play Sunday.
“We will see. It depends.”
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