Exiled Acheampong back in Chelsea training
- Published
Chelsea's young academy defender Josh Acheampong is training with the first team again ahead of a trip to Heidenheim in the Conference League.
The 18-year-old looked on the verge of making his breakthrough under manager Enzo Maresca but an impasse over signing a new contract has led to his exile since late September.
Acheampong has not played for either Chelsea's first-team or in academy matches for over two months.
The unprecedented move to squeeze Acheampong, who still has more than 18 months left on his contract, has raised eyebrows in some quarters but a return to senior training may be viewed as a positive development.
Acheampong, who was integral in pre-season and played in the first-team against Barrow earlier this season, may have seen the situation partly change due to injuries to Reece James and Malo Gusto. He is viewed as the next right back in line to play when those two are out.
The limited options at Maresca's disposal and a match against lesser opposition would typically be viewed as an opportunity for Acheampong to further his development.
A number of big first-team players were not pictured in Chelsea鈥檚 open training session today, signalling heavy rotation is to be expected. Academy players Kiano Dyer, Shim Mhueka and Tyrique George were also in the group.
Maresca will likely be questioned on Acheampong at his press conference in Germany at 7pm tonight.