Chelsea defender Reece James will miss England’s next two fixtures against Wales and Latvia.
On Monday morning, it was confirmed that James had pulled out of the England squad, possibly because of an injury that he picked up in Chelsea‘s 2-1 victory over Liverpool.
Chelsea fans will be praying for it not to be anything serious, especially with James almost back to his best.
If it is, though, and keeps him out of the Blues’ next Premier League game against Nottingham Forest, Enzo Maresca will have a decision to make.
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Josh Acheampong should start at right-back for Chelsea if Reece James isn’t fit
James was everywhere in Chelsea’s win versus Liverpool, finishing the game in central defence, but many will be expecting him to start at right-back against Forest.
Forest are in dire form right now; James could cause them real problems on the right flank. If he is not available, though, then Josh Acheampong should be given an opportunity in the right-back position.
Acheampong started in central defence over the weekend, but the 19-year-old’s natural position is right-back.
With Trevoh Chalobah set to return from suspension and Tosin Adarabioyo expected to be back from injury after the international break, Acheampong dropping out seems likely.
However, he deserves to keep his place in the team after his performance against the Premier League champions, while Malo Gusto has not impressed this term.
Gusto shone at the Club World Cup, but his level has dropped since then. Right now, Acheampong is more deserving of a first-team spot than the Frenchman.
Frank Leboeuf thought Acheampong was “outstanding” against Liverpool, but he was not the only one who was impressed with his performance.
Josh Acheampong caught Alan Shearer’s attention during Liverpool game
Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer had some positive things to say about Acheampong as well after watching him go up against Alexander Isak, Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo.
Shearer raved about Acheampong’s display, saying: “When you consider the injuries, particularly defensively that Chelsea had, for him to come in and step up like he did… I was impressed with him. He had a good game.”
Going forward, the Chelsea academy product definitely deserves more opportunities.
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