Enzo Maresca is currently undertaking his final preparations as Chelsea prepare to carry on their Conference League campaign.
The Blues have travelled to Greece to take on Panathinaikos, with a number of key players being left at home to prepare for their Premier League exploits.
Nicolas Jackson and Moises Caicedo have not travelled with Chelsea, and the opportunity has cropped up for a number of younger players to make their mark on the squad.
- READ MORE: ‘World-class’ Chelsea player really has a point to prove in Conference League vs Panathinaikos
Shim Mheuka has been called up by the Blues for the very first time, while Tyrique George will hope for another chance to make an impact off the bench.
One youngster who has not travelled though is Josh Acheampong, and it doesn’t look as if he will be involved for some time.
Enzo Maresca hints he is not happy at Josh Acheampong frozen out by Chelsea
Acheampong has been frozen out by Chelsea until his contract situation is resolved, with their currently being a lot of uncertainty over what his future holds.
Maresca has already stated he is a big fan of Acheampong, and his comments ahead of tonight’s game suggest he is not happy he is not available for selection.
He said: “No. To be honest, I feel a bit of shame for Josh because I think this kind of games can be an opportunity for him.
“I had a chat with him, personally, about three weeks ago; about his situation and the chat we had was a very good chat, a positive chat but since that moment I haven’t spoken to him again.
“As I said, it’s a shame. I think Josh potentially can become a top player. He is still 18, so still very young, so many things can change for him, but he can potentially be very important thing for Chelsea.
“It’s so important for the club that our intention is not to lose him. The first thing we need to do is to find a solution for his future. The most important thing at this stage is to get minutes, enjoy and to play football. For him, I don’t know the people who are trying to solve the problem, if they are helping him or not. I really like Josh and I would really like to have him here with us but it is not possible.”
Who could sign Josh Acheampong from Chelsea?
Acheampong was reportedly not happy with Chelsea after he was not included in the first-team squad during the time where both Reece James and Malo Gusto were unavailable. The duo are now back in action.
The quality of both options in his position does somewhat make the pathway a lot less obvious for a youngster in that role.
A number of top clubs have been linked to signing him already. Real Madrid are one of those who are reportedly interested in Acheampong.
Newcastle United have also been linked to the addition of Acheampong, with him seemingly not short of options
Chelsea have made the mistake of selling youngsters before, and they only need to look at the levels the likes of Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall have reached before making the same call with the 18-year-old.
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