The England international has been deemed surplus to requirements by Maresca this term and he has played just 45 minutes so far.

Maresca has now revealed that Chilwell won't be involved in the FA Cup third round as he prepares for a new challenge away from the Blues.

He told reporters: "Chilwell, for him in this moment, is thinking to leave so it's better to avoid using him to avoid injury, so the plan is not to use Ben tomorrow."

The Blues have had a quiet start to the winter transfer window , but they are expected to move for a central defender in the coming days.

Wesley Fofana is out for the rest of the campaign with a hamstring injury and Marc Guehi has been linked with a possible reunion.

The Crystal Palace star has less than 18 months left on his contract and the Eagles could be tempted to sanction his sale for £60 million.

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