Ben Chilwell jokes around with Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca as he comes in from the cold and returns to first-team training after reaching truce with new manager

Ben Chilwell trained with Chelsea’s first team on Monday after reaching a truce with Enzo Maresca to avoid spending the next four months in the football world.

Maresca had already given permission for the sale of Chilwell in the summer, but when no action was taken the Blues were left in a difficult position over how to proceed.

The 27-year-old’s return comes after he was named in the Premier League squad last week after it became clear he would not be leaving on loan.

He had previously been disappointed when he was not included in the Conference League squad that was submitted to UEFA, as Chelsea still wanted him to leave at that time.

That means he won’t be able to play in European competition, but Chilwell can now hope for first-team minutes now that he is back in training at Cobham, particularly in the Carabao Cup when Chelsea play Barrow next week.

It seemed like the couple had put their problems behind them as they joked around during the session

Chelsea could still look for a potential candidate in January, as Maresca has already indicated he is not the left-back they are looking for.

However, the England international would be available as an option in the Premier League if there is an injury crisis.

Chelsea are training this week in preparation for the match against West Ham on Saturday afternoon.

Chilwell (left) can now hope for some form of first-team minutes after returning to training

Jadon Sancho was not present outside Chilwell and Co on Monday, but was present inside for a separate recovery session.

Sancho is still working towards full fitness, with his 45 minutes at Bournemouth his first in the Premier League this season.