Enzo Maresca claims ‘it’s a shame’ Chelsea star has not played enough under him

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca believes it is a shame that Benoit Badiashile has not played a lot under him.

Enzo Maresca has hailed Benoit Badiashile, claiming that it is unfortunate that the Chelsea star has been injured a few times since the start of the 2024/25 season. He added that the Frenchman is an important player in his squad and believes it is good news to have him back.

Speaking to the media ahead of the Liverpool clash, Maresca said that Badiashile is set to play a crucial role again after getting back to full fitness and said:

“Since I joined the club, every time I spoke about Benoit, I always said that for me personally, he’s an important player. He’s a very good player.

“Unfortunately, he has been injured a few times since I joined the club. But again, before the last injury, he was playing almost every game. Before, in the Club World Cup, he had an injury against Benfica.

“But now he’s back. It’s good news for us, for the teammates, but especially for him. Because when you are out for a long time, a long period, it’s always a shame.”

Badiashile has played 24 matches under Maresca since the Italian manager’s appointment in 2024.