Enzo Maresca admitted he feels "shame" over leaving Ben Chilwell out of the team, but reiterated the left-back does not feature in his Chelsea plans.

Chilwell joined Chelsea from Leicester City in August 2020 on a five-year contract and has made 107 appearances for the Blues in all competitions, while also helping them to win the Champions League in 2021.

However, since Maresca arrived in West London, Chilwell has made just one appearance, a 45-minute cameo in Chelsea's 5-0 victory over Barrow in the EFL Cup.

Maresca made it clear from the start of his tenure that the England international was unlikely to play for Chelsea if he stayed at the club this season, but he says he sympathises with him.

"Because players want to play more, so there's probably chances for them to leave," Maresca said. "But Ben has been top. I have to say that; he has been top.

"Very professional, works hard. I feel shame because of that situation, but in terms of behaviour, he has been very good."

Asked why Chilwell was not featuring, Maresca added: "First of all, because it is my choice. And because I can see Malo Gusto, Reece James or Marc Cucurella doing different kind of jobs during the game.

"I think Chilwell is a top full-back, doing that job up and down and given opportunity in past to win titles and be in national team, but I struggle to see Ben doing different kind of things."

Chilwell is one of a host of Chelsea players linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge, with Renato Veiga, Alex Disasi, Carney Chukwuemeka and Cesare Casadei all struggling for game time as well.

With Christopher Nkunku also reportedly frustrated with his lack of involvement, Maresca insisted there is no way to keep everyone in his large squad happy.

"It's impossible, two months not playing, and they won't be happy," Maresca added. "First of all, our target is to do the best for the club and the team, win games.

"If we can keep the players happy, they are happy. If they don't play, they won't be happy. If I sell all the players that aren't happy, we stay here with 12 players. Our intention is not to move players."