Enzo Maresca gives huge update on Chelsea star's future amid West Ham links

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Enzo Maresca has denied reports that Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall will leave Chelsea in January, with West Ham interested in signing him.

Dewsbury-Hall played a starring role for Maresca’s Leicester City side last season as they won the Championship title and followed his manager to Stamford Bridge over the summer.

So far however, the £30million transfer has not worked out for the midfielder who has struggled for game time in the Premier League.

Though a regular in the Carabao Cup and Conference League, the 26-year-old has managed just 55 minutes in the top-flight from five sub appearances.

Moreover, he’s been left out of Chelsea’s matchday squad eight times despite not appearing to be sidelined with injury, leading to speculation he could cut his spell in west-London short.

Reports say West Ham are interested in bringing in Dewsbury-Hall to help turnaround their ailing season, a move approved by new manager Graham Potter.

However, when asked about the Englishman’s future at Stamford Bridge, Maresca insisted that the Englishmen would be staying put despite his lack of minutes.

‘At this moment Kiernan is our player and for sure, he has a future with us,’ the head coach said in his press conference ahead of Chelsea’s FA Cup clash with Morecambe.

Asked if a loan exit was a possibility, Maresca bluntly replied: ‘No. Also, because, when you want to send players on loan, it has to be from all the sides; the players, the club and the manager.

‘It is not just about what I want. In this moment there is no plan for Kiernan [to leave].

‘For sure, he has to do that [fight for his place], no doubt. I know Kiernan quite well and he is going to do that.’

Sadly for Dewsbury-Hall, he won’t get the chance to play against Morecambe, with Maresca confirming that he, Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile will miss Saturday’s game through injury.

The Italian added that Ben Chiwell and Cesare Casadei will also not feature as they look to offload the outcast players

He stated: ‘Chilwell, for him, he is thinking about to leave so it is better to avoid using him and avoid injuries and these type of things. The plan is to not use Ben tomorrow.

‘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.’

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