It looks as if it is going to be a big season for one youngster at Chelsea, with it being said he has been handed assurances over his playing time for the upcoming season.
It can certainly be believed that the players coming through the academy are going to find it difficult to get opportunities under the current regime at the club, with a host of new signings joining every year.
This was the case for Rio Ngumoha, who now looks as if he is in Arne Slot’s thinking after making a move to Liverpool 12 months ago.
Maresca has been told to find internal solutions though to the defensive injury woes already suffered by the Blues this season. Levi Colwill is set to miss the majority of the season due to ACL surgery.
Chelsea Training Session
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Enzo Maresca has made promises to Josh Acheampong for this season
The first Premier League game of the season saw Josh Acheampong start at centre-back alongside Trevoh Chalobah, just his fourth start in the league.
Acheampong impressed Chelsea fans with his performance up against a tough counterpart in Jean-Philippe Mateta, showing that he can certainly do a job where called upon this season.
It looks as if he has been told those opportunities will be coming thick and fast. Matt Law has told the ‘London is Blue’ podcast that the club have made promises to the youngster that he will be involved this season.
He said: “They’ve made certain promises to someone like Josh Acheampong. And if you just don’t really give him a chance and you bring someone else in, you could find Acheampong deciding he wants to leave.”
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Josh Acheampong during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace
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Chelsea’s defensive options to face West Ham
Chelsea will be looking to properly kickstart their campaign with a win over London rivals West Ham, who they will travel to on Friday night.
While Colwill will not be available for selection, it looks as if Maresca is going to be able to welcome back some other options.
He tipped Wesley Fofana for minutes after he was an unused substitute against Palace, while Maresca confirmed Tosin Adarabioyo was available again after missing the season opener.
They will face a task displacing Acheampong though, who looks set for a big season at Stamford Bridge.