Maresca: Dewsbury-Hall Has Future at Chelsea Despite Transfer Speculation

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca says Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has a future at the club despite transfer speculation, and must earn his place in the team.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca confirmed that the injured trio of Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall will miss the FA Cup third-round home game against Morecambe. Fofana and Badiashile are out with long-term injuries, while Dewsbury-Hall will also be sidelined due to injury. Maresca revealed the latest team news during a press conference on Friday.

Maresca provided an update on the availability of several key players, including Reece James and Romeo Lavia. “They are both available. They can get some minutes for tomorrow's game. Benoit Badiashile, Wes Fofana and Kiernan (are out), the rest are all available,” Maresca told reporters.

Regarding Wesley Fofana's hamstring injury, Maresca said the French international is focused on a speedy recovery. Fofana could potentially sit out the rest of the season, but Maresca remains hopeful. “The 12-16 weeks the club mentioned is the situation. Wes is thinking he can recover sooner than that. We are all happy if he could but we will see,” Maresca said.

Left-back Ben Chilwell and midfielder Cesare Casadei will also be unavailable for Chelsea's FA Cup clash against Morecambe. Maresca explained that both players have expressed their desire to leave the club. “... Chilwell is thinking about leaving so it is better to avoid using him and avoid injuries and these types of things. The plan is not to use Ben tomorrow,” Maresca said. “Cesare will not be in the squad. It's more or less the same situation as Ben. The plan is to not give him minutes if there is an opportunity for him to go and play.”

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has been linked with a potential move away from Chelsea in the January transfer window. However, manager Enzo Maresca emphasized that the midfielder has a future with the team, but he will need to earn his place. “For sure, he has a future with us. Also, when you want to send players on loan, it has to be from all sides; the players, the club, and the manager. It is not just about what I want,” Maresca said.

Maresca expressed confidence in Dewsbury-Hall's ability to fight for his place in the team. “For sure, he has to do that (fight for his place). I know Kiernan quite well and he is going to do that,” Maresca added. Chelsea are currently on a four-match winless run in all competitions, and Maresca acknowledged the challenge ahead.

A big win against tomorrow's visitors. ✊#OnThisDay four years ago, Chelsea beat Morecambe 4-0 in the FA Cup third round! 🔵🫡 pic.twitter.com/phRyCexnTS

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 10, 2025

Chelsea will face League Two club Morecambe in the FA Cup, and Maresca stated that he is “ready” for the challenge. The Italian manager is determined to help his team snap their winless streak and advance in the competition.