Enzo Maresca has explained Josh Achiampong’s lack of minutes ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Leeds on Wednesday night.
The Blues kicked off a busy December with a hard-fought game at Elland Road, the same stadium where they lost 3-0 the last time they visited Thomas Tuchel.
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If Chelsea are to be title contenders then they have to win these games and Maresca will be very aware of that.
Enzo Maresca on Josh Acheampong’s lack of playing time
Maresca has only made one change to his squad against Barcelona and Arsenal but could make some changes on Wednesday, particularly ahead of another game against Bournemouth on Saturday.
Achim Pong has put in some impressive performances this season and Chelsea fans will be hoping to see more game time for the 19-year-old.
Achimpon has not made a league appearance for Chelsea since October. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
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Achimpong scored his first Chelsea goal against Nottingham Forest but has not made a league appearance since a 2-1 loss to Sunderland in October.
The teenager came on as a late substitute against Barcelona last week and Maresca has now explained the reasons for his lack of playing time.
“He’s outstanding,” reporter Lloyd Canfield quoted him as saying on X.com.
“I mean, the only thing, which is a good thing for me and a good thing for the club, is that our centre-backs are doing really well at the moment.
“Wes did a great job, Trev did a great job. Josh did a great job.
“That’s the centre-back we need. It’s just a matter of finding the right moment to give him a chance.”
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Chelsea’s defense looks much better
The Blues struggled defensively at the start of the season and made some mistakes, but have now made real progress.
Chelsea have conceded just once in the Premier League in November, thanks in part to Maresca having identified a stable partner.
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Trevor Chalobah and Wesley Fofana have started three of the four games and the two have formed a very good partnership.
Maresca is likely to change his partnership against Leeds and it will be interesting to see who comes in, there are plenty of options.