
EPL Index
·5 ottobre 2025
Chelsea set for double injury boost after Liverpool win

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·5 ottobre 2025
Chelsea supporters have grown accustomed to nervy conclusions, yet their latest stoppage-time win arrived with an additional layer of concern. The 2-1 triumph came at a cost when both Benoit Badiashile and Josh Acheampong were withdrawn with apparent injuries. However, assistant head coach Willy Caballero moved swiftly to reassure fans that the situation was not as serious as first feared.
Caballero addressed the media following the game, with Enzo Maresca unable to attend after being shown a second yellow card for leaving his technical area in celebration of Estevao’s late winner.
“The two central defenders, it was just prevention.
“They made a great effort today, but just prevention. We spoke with them already and they said that they are okay, so [it is] good for us.”
His confirmation provided a welcome injury boost for a squad already stretched by absentees.
Nineteen-year-old defender Josh Acheampong was making just his second start of the season. His previous outing came on the opening weekend, when he stepped in for the injured Tosin Adarabioyo and helped secure a 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace.
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Composed in possession and willing to engage physically, Acheampong showed maturity beyond his years against top-level opposition. His quick withdrawal initially sparked worry, yet Caballero’s words suggest it was a precautionary decision rather than a setback.
Given Chelsea’s recent history with soft-tissue issues, the sight of the teenager walking freely post-match will be seen as a relief rather than a risk.
For Benoit Badiashile, the outing marked another milestone in his recovery. The French centre-back had been missing for 94 days before making his first appearance of the season against Benfica in midweek. Retaining his place against Liverpool and then again in this fixture signalled growing confidence in his fitness.
Badiashile looked sharp in defensive duels and confident carrying the ball out from the back. His understanding with Acheampong showed promise for the longer term. While Caballero’s insistence that his withdrawal was simply precautionary will calm early nerves, Chelsea will remain careful with his workload as he builds rhythm.
Chelsea entered the game without eight senior players due to injury or suspension, yet still managed to show resilience. With Trevoh Chalobah unavailable and Adarabioyo still sidelined, Maresca was forced to pair youth with returning experience at centre-half.
The combination worked. Acheampong offered energy and front-foot anticipation, while Badiashile provided calm structure. Their contributions helped lay the foundation for Chelsea’s late surge.
For a team that has been criticised for inconsistency in defence, the emergence of competitive depth will please both Caballero and Maresca. With European competitions ahead and domestic fixtures intensifying, Chelsea will need dependable rotation options.
Fortunately for them, this latest scare appears to have resulted in reassurance rather than regret.