Chelsea fans were disappointed to see Josh Acheampong return to the bench again when the XI was named to take on Everton in the Premier League.
Acheampong was one of the positives from the Blues’ 2-1 defeat in the Champions League against Atalanta, pointed out by Enzo Maresca after the game.
Before the visit of Everton to Stamford Bridge, the youngster had not featured in the Premier League since October, with his absence being seen as bizarre to many.
CONFIRMED Chelsea XI to face Everton!
Thoughts on the Chalobah/Fofana centre-back pairing?
Maresca has said he is trying to protect Acheampong, and also has had positive performances from the partnership of Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah to deal with.
Chelsea not looking for Josh Acheampong January exit despite being benched vs Everton
A lack of minutes could see some of the previously interested sides turn their attention back to the Cobham graduate, with the January transfer window just weeks away from opening.
However, The Athletic have reported that Chelsea have no interest in sanctioning a January exit on loan from the club.
They go on to say that there is also no intention for the club to sign a new centre-back, with Acheampong set for more minutes in the latter stages of the season.
Chelsea need to make room before they can sign another centre-back. Who are you getting rid of?
Levi Colwill is definitely untouchable ❌
Chelsea’s list of first-team centre-backs
- Levi Colwill
- Wesley Fofana
- Trevoh Chalobah
- Benoit Badiashile
- Tosin Adarabioyo
- Josh Acheampong
It feels far more likely that someone like Tosin Adarabioyo or Chalobah are sold by the club, with great efforts made in the past to move on from the latter.
The Blues need to find a regular solution at the back until Levi Colwill returns from injury. There is a chance he does not feature at all this season.
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