Maresca has let down fans and superb academy talent with this team decision | OneFootball

Chelsea’s team for today is out, and while we’re happy with some parts of it, there are certainly some frustrations too, especially at right back.

Malo Gusto was subbed off on Thursday night against Copenhagen after getting a knock on his ankle, and Reece James is out today with a reported illness.

So without our first two choices at right back, Enzo Maresca had a decision to make. He’s gone for Wesley Fofana, who will be playing his first minutes since December. He’s had such bad struggles with injury, but he’s being thrown in here pretty cold, to play a demanding position.

It’s immensely frustrating for us because it leaves young Josh Acheampong out in the cold. He got a taste of first team action earlier in the season, signed a new deal and has now been forgotten about again. He would happily accept being third choice behind James and Gusto – but not even being trusted as third choice, against a dreadful Leicester team, with a totally undercooked centre back picked ahead of you?

That’s really gutting for Josh, and for us. If you don’t give these talents a chance, how will you ever see them develop?

Maresca on out of form Palmer

Cole Palmer on his haunches after another game without a goal or assist. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)

Of course the media aren’t interested in asking about Acheampong, but they did ask about the out of form Cole Palmer. Maresca was keen to give him a morale boost, and claimed he would soon be back to his best:

“When you score a goal you are probably more happy, also because your goals help the team to win but overall Cole is fine,” Maresca said before kick off.

“Watching him during the training session, he is fine and looks fantastic.”