“Just for that” – Maresca reveals why star wasn’t in squad for Man United game, it doesn’t look good | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca has confirmed Josh Acheampong wasn’t injured as he explained why the defender didn’t feature against Manchester United.

The Blues slumped to their first Premier League defeat of the season on a miserable afternoon in Manchester, as United ran out 2-1 winners.

It means Chelsea’s wait for a first win at Old Trafford since 2013 continues, and it also leaves them seven points behind leaders Liverpool after just five games.

Enzo Maresca on why Josh Acheampong didn’t play

Maresca named Cole Palmer and Estevao in the same team for the first team this season, whilst Wesley Fofana replaced Tosin Adarabioyo at centre back.

However, there was little time to see what the team could do, with Robert Sanchez sent off after just four minutes for taking out Bryan Mbeumo.

Acheampong hasn’t featured since the first game of the season. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

Maresca shuffled the pack and opted for a back five, with both Estevao and Pedro Neto taken off, leaving Chelsea with just two attackers on the pitch, which became one when Cole Palmer went off injured.

Youngster Acheampong didn’t make the match day squad, and hasn’t featured since the opening game of the season against Crystal Palace.

Acheampong had interest from Bournemouth in the summer, but Chelsea were adamant he wasn’t for sale, although it’s unclear where his minutes are coming from.

Maresca was asked after the game about the youngster, and confirmed he wasn’t injured, as he explained why he didn’t feature.

“No, Josh is just because we had Tosin [Adarabioyo], Malo [Gusto] was on the bench also, we had already two defenders, so it was just for that, not for any other reason,” he said as quoted on X.com.

Chelsea must respond against Lincoln

It’s been a bad week for the Blues with the draw to Brentford and defeats to Bayern Munich and Manchester United.

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Chelsea have the chance to respond in the Carabao Cup, and can’t afford to suffer an embarrassing exit at the hands of the League One outfit.

Maresca will no doubt make changes, and Chelsea should have more than enough to get the job done, before a huge game against Brighton next weekend.