- Ben Chilwell captained Chelsea in the second half of their 5-0 win over Barrow
- This was his first appearance for more than five months after Chelsea tried to sell him.
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Ben Chilwell played his first game in more than five months on Tuesday night when he came on as a half-time substitute in Chelsea’s 5-0 win over Barrow.
The left-back missed Chelsea’s final seven games of last season after injuring his knee during the 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in April.
Chelsea then tried to sell him during the summer, but found no buyer.
Chilwell, who is still under contract at Stamford Bridge until June 2027 after signing an extension last year, wore the captain’s armband for the second half on Tuesday.
He was greeted with loud cheers from the stands as he returned to the pitch and then received further applause after the final whistle.
Ben Chilwell (right) wore the Chelsea captain’s armband during the second half on Tuesday.
Chilwell had not played a game in over five months before playing Barrow.
Chilwell touched the ball 36 times during his 45-minute appearance at Stamford Bridge.
He made three tackles and also created two scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Shortly after the match ended, Chilwell sent a message to Chelsea fans via Instagram.
Alongside two photos, she posted the words: ‘I missed the nights on the Bridge in front of you,’ followed by a blue heart emoji.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca fielded a large number of his players against League Two side Barrow.
Maresca’s starting XI did not include any members of the team that started Saturday’s 3-0 win over West Ham.
Chilwell, 27, shook hands with Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca on the pitch after the end of the match.
Christopher Nkunku took his chance to impress and scored the first hat-trick of his Chelsea career. Pedro Neto also found the net.
Chelsea’s other goal was officially an own goal scored by Barrow goalkeeper Paul Farman, but it came from a superb Joao Felix free-kick.
Felix had previously produced a stylish assist for Nkunku’s opener.