The League Cup third round on Tuesday will see Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell play for the first time this season after being benched by manager Enzo Maresca upon taking over this season.

Despite being listed for sale during the offseason, the 27-year-old was unable to find a club.

He later rejoined the first team for training after Maresca gave his confirmation that the team will find a “solution.”

After Spanish player Marc Cucurella joined in 2022, Chilwell’s status declined.

His only 13 league appearances this season came from hamstring and knee problems he also sustained in the previous two seasons.

Read Also:Maresca Insists Chelsea Need A New Striker

Under former manager Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea made it to the League Cup final last season, when they were defeated by Liverpool after extra time.

Maresca’s team has only lost two of their last seven games across all competitions since taking over for the Argentine.

The Italian claimed that although his team was making improvements, they were still on the correct road.

“I said that we are ahead of where we expected to be today but not in terms of results,” Maresca told reporters.

“In terms of progression and how we are playing (we are ahead).

“In terms of results, we are far from these clubs like (Manchester) City and Arsenal because we need to learn many things.”

Maresca stated his team wanted to give the home supporters something to cheer about given they haven’t won a league game at Stamford Bridge this season.

Maresca is the first coach since City’s Pep Guardiola in 2016 to win his first three Premier League away games.

“Hopefully we can share some good moments at home in front of our fans,” the Italian said.

Midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, brought in from Maresca’s previous club Leicester City, will make his first start on Tuesday, while right back Malo Gusto, who has missed two games due to injury, will also play.

Romeo Lavia, a long-term absentee, might play in the Premier League on Saturday against Brighton & Hove Albion.