Enzo Maresca has looked to ease Estevao Willian into action since he joined the club over the summer, and he decided not to start him for Chelsea’s Premier League clash against Wolves.
Despite Estevao starring in the Champions League in midweek, it was not enough for him to retain his place as Pedro Neto was deemed fit enough to face his former side.
Chelsea’s already young squad would have seen its average age drop even younger if Estevao had started the game, however Maresca looked instead to a more experienced starting side in their quest to go second in the table.
This also saw Josh Acheampong remain on the bench, despite him having a case for being the Blues’ best performing centre-back in recent weeks.
Qarabag FK v Chelsea FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4
Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Chelsea fans not happy Josh Acheampong didn’t start vs Wolves
Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana started after their rests against Qarabag, however Chelsea fans took to social media to share their anger at Maresca deciding to leave the young defender out again.
One user said: “Acheampong deserves better. Maresca is treating him and Guiu terribly. He gives them mins only after others, who start over them, are poor day in, day out. They perform well, keep their place, then after a match where they are just average, same as rest of the team, they get dropped.”
Another added: “Good line up, should be an easy win but why is acheampong not starting matches no more??”
A third stated: “What does Estevao and Acheampong need to do to start. It’s getting frustrating.”
Finally, one user said: “What did Acheampong do to be completely taken out of team three games in a row?”
Acheampong impressed Alan Shearer among other pundits with his recent performances, however he is having to wait to carry that good form into more minutes.
The youngster is set to join up with the England U21s for the upcoming international break, where he usually features as a starter at the heart of defence.