Pictured: Chelsea injury boost as Josh Acheampong trains with England U21s after Liverpool knock | OneFootball

The Blues’ defensive injury crisis is slowly lifting

Your matchday briefing on Chelsea, featuring team news and expert analysis from Dom Smith

Sign up

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Chelsea have received yet another positive injury update after Josh Acheampong was pictured training with England’s Under-21s today.

The 19-year-old centre-back limped off with just over 20 minutes remaining as the Blues sank Liverpool before the international break.

It was another blow for Chelsea, whose burgeoning defensive injury crisis had already taken a knock earlier in the affair as Benoit Badiashile hobbled off.

And Acheampong’s clean bill of health is now effectively confirmed after he was pictured in training at St George’s Park ahead of U21 Euros qualifiers against Moldova and Andorra, joined by his Chelsea team-mate Tyrique George.

Chelsea’s defensive options are rather thin on the ground after Wesley Fofana sustained a concussion against Lincoln City, Tosin Adarabioyo injured his calf, and Levi Colwill tore his ACL.

But the storm is slowly passing, as Fofana returned to training this week, and Adarabioyo is expected to make a comeback after the international break.

There is still concern, however, surrounding Reece James, who withdrew from England duty with an injury sustained in the Liverpool win. It is understood to have been a precautionary move, though no timeline has yet been offered for his return.