BIG DECISION FOR CHELSEA! With Malo Gusto now an INJURY DOUBT after limping off at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea’s options for the Bournemouth clash are hanging by a thread.
Josh Acheampong may be an option for Enzo Maresca in Bournemouth vs Chelsea
Malo Gusto is now a potential injury concern for Chelsea ahead of their Premier League match against Bournemouth in nine days, which could open up playing time for Josh Acheampong.
When Gusto limped off in the 74th minute during Chelsea’s match at Stamford Bridge, there were plenty of worried faces, including Maresca’s. The injury appeared to be muscular—something Gusto has unfortunately become familiar with during his time at the club. “With Malo, we need to wait and see,” said Maresca on Sunday. “It looks like a muscle issue, so we’ll monitor him.”
The 21-year-old right-back had already endured three separate muscle injuries during his first season at Chelsea, and this latest setback adds to his challenges. While the full extent of the injury remains unclear, Gusto has withdrawn from France’s U21 squad, missing their European Championship qualifiers against Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
This puts Gusto’s availability for next weekend’s match against Bournemouth in serious doubt. Thankfully, Chelsea captain Reece James is expected to be available for selection.
James missed Chelsea’s game against Crystal Palace due to suspension, but he was present at Stamford Bridge to support his team. However, he’s also dealing with a minor hamstring injury. Maresca recently said that both James and Romeo Lavia, who is nursing a separate injury, should be back after the international break. But Maresca is likely to proceed cautiously with James, given the defender’s injury history. The coach will not want to risk James by rushing him back too soon.
Given this, it seems unlikely that James will be thrown straight into the starting lineup against Bournemouth. This leaves Chelsea’s right-back position in question.
Axel Disasi filled in at right-back during Chelsea’s UEFA Conference League playoff games against Servette, but his performance, particularly in the second leg, was less than convincing. Disasi struggled defensively, despite playing in that position frequently under previous manager Mauricio Pochettino.
This raises the possibility of Josh Acheampong being given a chance. At just 18 years old, starting Acheampong would be a bold move for Maresca, but it might be a decision worth considering.
Acheampong featured in Chelsea’s pre-season tour of the United States and was on the bench in their loss to Servette in Switzerland. The young defender has participated in several first-team training sessions under Maresca and could find himself in the squad due to Chelsea’s current injury situation.
Maresca has spoken highly of Acheampong, and the young defender seems to have a positive relationship with the head coach: “I’ve talked to Maresca; he’s been really supportive and approachable. He’s very detailed and has a clear vision for how he wants us to play. I really enjoy working with him.”
Despite being close to the first team, Acheampong has also played for Chelsea’s Development Squad, featuring three times in Premier League 2 this season. He played 71 minutes in the season opener against Tottenham and completed the full 90 minutes in matches against Everton, where he also provided an assist, and Middlesbrough.
Acheampong is currently representing England’s U19s alongside other Chelsea academy players, including Kiano Dyer, Tyrique George, and Ishe Samuels-Smith. He made his debut for the U19s during a 2-2 draw with Italy, playing 61 minutes in Croatia.
