Why Chelsea’s top youngster is absent tonight on best chance to play so far this season | OneFootball

Well we’ve just slammed Enzo Maresca for not selecting Josh Acheampong in his squad for tonight’s game – it turns out the youngster has flu.

It’s brutal timing for Josh, who was certain to be starting in defence as Maresca looks to rest his starting options at the back. It still doesn’t really excuse some of the other lineup decisions from the coach, but does explain away the most puzzling and egregious one of all.

Defender still highly rated by Chelsea and will “get appearances soon”

Simon Johnson’s Tweet about Josh Acheampong.

“It’s a shame for him as I’m sure he would have played otherwise. Highly regarded at the club and will get appearances soon enough I’m sure,” wrote Simon Johnson on Twitter.

That sounds like a line the well connected Athletic journalist been given from inside the club, which is some comfort. They’ll know there would be a rebellion on their hands if they don’t make the reasons for his absence very clear.

Acheampong can play centrally or on the right, and can both overlap or invert really well from full back. He should be the dream Maresca utility man – we’re not sure why the Italian coach is so determined to slow roll the academy star. Apart from last year’s Conference League he’s barely been trusted, despite looking excellent when he plays. He didn’t even make the bench on Saturday.

Acheampong forced to bide his time

What a shame for Josh. As Johnson says, he will have chances down the line, but this was a big one for him. Maresca is clearly reluctant to use these young players in games that matter, no matter how good they are, so it’s a stretch to see someone like Acheampong dropped into a Premier League match unless injuries really force the coach’s hand.

Get well soon, Josh!