Enzo Maresca and Josh Acheampong remain central to Chelsea’s defensive conversation as the team enters a crucial December run.
Enzo Maresca Josh Acheampong: Why Minutes Have Been Limited
Chelsea start a tough December with a hard game at Leeds. They lost 3–0 there under Thomas Tuchel, so the place holds bad memories. These are the games Chelsea must win to look like real title challengers. Maresca knows that every choice he makes now is important.
He kept almost the same team for the Barcelona and Arsenal matches. But the quick schedule this week means he will need to rotate. This is why Josh Acheampong becomes part of the talk. The 19-year-old has looked sharp every time he has played. He even scored his first Chelsea goal against Nottingham Forest.
Still, he has not played in the league since the 2–1 loss to Sunderland in October. With so many games coming fast, this may be the moment for Acheampong. Chelsea need fresh legs, and he has shown he is ready.
He made a late appearance against Barcelona last week. But fans are still waiting to see more of him. Maresca has now explained the situation with clarity.
“He’s very good,” Maresca said, as quoted by journalist Lloyd Canfield. “The only thing, and it’s a good problem for me and for the club, is that our central defenders are performing very well. Wes is doing well; Trev is doing well. Josh is doing well. It’s just about finding the right moment to give him the chance.”
Maresca’s message is simple: Acheampong is ready, but the players ahead of him are delivering.
🚨🆕️ Enzo Maresca on Josh Acheampong's lack of minutes:
“He's very good. The only thing, I mean, it’s something nice for me, and it's something nice for the club, is that at the moment our central defenders are doing very well.
“Wes is doing well, Trev is doing well.
Josh… pic.twitter.com/wPIhtQp2GW
— Chelsea Dodgers (@TheBlueDodger) December 2, 2025
Enzo Maresca Josh Acheampong: Competition in Central Defence Is High
Chelsea’s early-season defensive problems were clear. Mistakes, miscommunication, and uncertainty cost them points. But November brought a dramatic shift. Chelsea conceded just one Premier League goal in the entire month, a reflection of improved structure and a settled partnership.
Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana started three of four league games in November, and the balance between them has strengthened the back line. Fofana brings speed and aggression; Chalobah provides calmness and control. Together, they have given Chelsea stability for the first time this season.
This form naturally affects Acheampong’s minutes. It is difficult to break a pairing that is performing at such a high level, especially when Maresca prefers rhythm and consistency in defence. However, the schedule now becomes crowded. With Leeds on Wednesday and Bournemouth on Saturday, rotation is no longer optional.
That opens a real window for Acheampong.
🚨🔵 Enzo Maresca: “Andrey Santos is ready to replace Caicedo”.
“His position is playing as a no.6, like Moi… he is ready. One that can play good in that position is Josh Acheampong but we will see”. pic.twitter.com/YsAcIiZhzP
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 2, 2025
Chelsea’s Defensive Depth Will Be Test This Month
December is a tough month in the Premier League, and it pushes every team hard. Chelsea feel this pressure too. Maresca must watch fitness, form, and his plan for each game. Because there are many matches in short gaps, and defenders cannot play every minute.
Acheampong looks perfect for this period. He is fast, strong, calm, and brave in duels. He can play on the right side or the left side. And this gives Chelsea more options. Maresca likes players who bring this kind of flexibility.
The key is timing, as the manager said. Chelsea must use Acheampong in a smart way so he can help the team and grow at the same time. While his short run against Barcelona was a small first step, and with rotation expected for the Leeds match. Fans will watch to see if he finally gets more minutes.
Author’s Opinion
In conclusion Acheampong deserves more chances, not because others are struggling, but because his talent is too strong to leave on the bench. Moreover, his physical strength and calm style fit Maresca’s system perfectly. And with December bringing many games, this is the ideal moment to bring him in and let him grow.
Enzo Maresca has handled him carefully so far. And that approach has logic. But Fofana and Chalobah have stabilised the team. But protecting the future is just as important. Acheampong feels like the next long-term piece of Chelsea’s defence. And this month could mark the start of his consistent involvement.
As featured on Chelseanews.com