Enzo Maresca to Unveil 18-Year-Old Talent Josh Acheampong

Enzo Maresca, the head coach of Chelsea FC, has announced his intention to feature 18-year-old defender Josh Acheampong in the UEFA Europa Conference League match against FC Astana. This decision underscores Chelsea's dedication to developing emerging talents from their academy.

Addressing the media ahead of the match, Maresca stated, 'Given our qualification to the next stage with four consecutive wins, it's an opportune moment to provide experience to our young players. Josh has shown remarkable progress, and this match offers a valuable platform for his development.'

The fixture, set to take place in Kazakhstan's capital, presents unique challenges, including a grueling eight-hour journey and anticipated temperatures of minus eleven degrees Celsius. Maresca commented on these factors, saying, 'An uninterrupted eight-hour flight is not typical for a match, but we are prepared to give our best effort to secure the three points.'

In light of the team's assured progression, key players such as Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto have been rested. Maresca has supplemented the squad with several under-20 players, emphasizing the club's strategy to integrate youth into the first team.

Regarding squad rotation, Maresca noted, 'Those not traveling will undergo individual training in London to prepare for our Premier League match against Brentford. With only 48 hours between fixtures, it's crucial to manage player workload effectively.'

On Acheampong's potential debut, Maresca added, 'Josh is on the verge of extending his contract with Chelsea. There's a strong possibility he will start, marking his official debut.'

This approach reflects Chelsea's broader commitment to fostering homegrown talent, ensuring a seamless transition for academy players to the senior squad.