Chelsea defender confirms he could leave the club

Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen has confirmed that he could leave the club amid his lack of playing time under manager Mauricio Pochettino.

The Dutchman spent the previous campaign on loan with Burnley and played a key part in their promotion to the English top-flight.

Maatsen went on to impress for the Blues in pre-season, but he has been largely ignored by the manager since the new campaign.

Chelsea tried to offload him to Burnley without much success last summer and Maatsen has said he may have difficult choices to make.

He said: "In the meantime, I have to keep all options open. I may have to make difficult choices later, but then the club will indicate that."

Maatsen's deal was due to expire next summer, but the Blues recently triggered his extension clause to keep him until June 2025.

If the club can't convince him over a new long-term contract, it is most likely that he will be sold to another European club in 2024.