“The only thing” – Enzo Maresca reveals reason behind lack of minutes for “very good” player

Enzo Maresca has explained the lack of minutes for Josh Acheampong ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Leeds on Wednesday evening.

The Blues kick off a busy December with a tough game at Elland Road, a ground they lost 3-0 at on their last visit under Thomas Tuchel.

If Chelsea want to be considered title contenders then these are the games they have to be winning, something Maresca will be more than aware of.

Enzo Maresca on lack of minutes for Josh Acheampong

Maresca only made one change to the team for the Barcelona and Arsenal games, but will likely make a number of changes on Wednesday, especially with another game against Bournemouth on Saturday.

Acheampong has put in some impressive performances this season, and Chelsea fans would like to see more minutes for the 19-year-old.

Acheampong hasn’t featured in the league for Chelsea since October. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Acheampong scored his first Chelsea goal against Nottingham Forest, but hasn’t featured in the league since the 2-1 defeat to Sunderland in October.

The teenager came on as a late substitute against Barcelona last week, and Maresca has now explained his lack of minutes.

“He’s very good,” he said as quoted on X.com by journalist Lloyd Canfield.

“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 is doing well.

“This is what we need in terms of central defenders. It’s just a matter to find the right moment when we give him the chance.”

Chelsea looking much better defensively

Having struggled at the start of season from a defensive stand point, with a number of mistakes being made, the Blues have made real improvements.

Chelsea conceded just once in the Premier League in November, and that in part is down to Maresca having settled on a consistent pairing.

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Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana started three of those four games, and the duo are showing signs of being a very good partnership.

Maresca will likely change that partnership against Leeds, and it will be interesting to see who comes in, with a number of options available.