“Next week…” – Maresca promises popular youngster starts soon after frustrating week | OneFootball

When the Chelsea team for this afternoon’s game came out, we were immediately curious to see whether Josh Acheampong would be in the team.

With so many defenders out he was the natural choice at centre back alongside Trevoh Chalobah. And manager Enzo Maresca loves to talk about how much the rates the academy starlet. But when the teams came out, we were dismayed to see the youngster benched.

Acheampong still on the bench despite injuries

Chelsea’s team to face Brighton.

Summer signing Jorrel Hato is playing at centre back instead. Before the game, Maresca has addresses the decision and explained his thinking:

“All week Josh was ill. He did his first session two days ago with us. Now he is getting better, he is on the bench in case we need him, but there is another game on Tuesday and another game on Saturday…”

Acheampong did miss the midweek match against Lincoln with flu, but after he trained yesterday we were hoping that he would be OK for today. It’s just brutal for him, after waiting so long for his chance, that he misses two likely starts in a week because of the flu. W

Hato faces major test as Acheampong replacement

It’s not just a question of Acheampong being left out, however. It’s also a question of Hato coming in. The Dutchman was supposed to be a plug and play option at left back given he’s got so many appearances for his age, but he’s looked really shaky in his minutes so far – and that’s in his natural position. The switch to centre back will make things even more challenging.

“We have so many games that as we have said many times we need to rotate. Hopefully he can do well and have a good game,” said Maresca, without sounding too convincing.