Ian Maatsen Handed Chelsea Blow Following Pre-Season Exclusion Amid Premier League Interest

Ian Maatsen has not been named on Chelsea’s squad list for their pre-season tour of the United States of America, it has been reported.

The defender has returned to Cobham following a successful loan spell at Coventry City in the Championship last season.

It was widely reported that the Dutch left-back was set for a permanent transfer away from Chelsea this summer.

Feyenoord were keen on bringing him to the Eredivisie after selling their star left-back Tyrell Malacia to Manchester United.

However, the 20-year-old rejected the opportunity as it was believed he was willing to fight for his place at Chelsea this summer.

The defender reportedly wished to impress Thomas Tuchel during the pre-season tour of North America.

Ian Maatsen for Chelsea in the Carabao Cup against Grimsby Town. (Alamy)

However, it has now been revealed that Maatsen is not going to travel with the first team squad, to some surprise.

As reported by Adam Newson of football.london, Maatsen has been left out of the squad list for the Blues.

Chelsea are set to travel to America on Saturday as they prepare to face Club America, Charlotte FC and Arsenal.

The Blues will spend two weeks on their tour, where Maatsen thought he would be handed the opportunity to earn his place in the squad for next season.

Despite training all week under the German, it appears that he is not part of the travelling squad.

The Blues depart for their tour of America on Saturday, with Maatsen set to remain at Cobham rather than have the chance to impress in the travelling team.

Premier League sides have also shown interest in Maatsen, football.london continues to report.

Chelsea loanee Ian Maatsen on the ball for Coventry City. (Alamy)

During his time at Chelsea, Maatsen has spent two spells away from the club as he departed on loan.

His first spell was with Charlton Athletic of League One, impressing to earn himself a move to the Championship last season.

Maatsen joined Coventry, where he registered four goal contributions and made 42 appearances across the season.

At just 20-year-old, Maatsen has the future ahead of him but his time at Chelsea could come to an end as it appears he will not feature in Tuchel’s plans, at least for the short term.

Trevoh Chalobah impressed in pre-season last campaign and earned his place in the Chelsea squad, while Maatsen was hoping to do the same.

It remains to be seen as to whether he will depart this summer on a loan move or permanent transfer, as it looks like he will not feature for the Blues.