Chelsea wonderkid locked in contract stand-off spotted in first-team training ahead of Heidenheim clash
CHELSEA wonderkid Josh Acheampong has returned to training with the Blues ahead of their Conference League clash with Heidenheim.
Acheampong had previously been frozen out of training amid an intense contract stand-off.
The 18-year-old right-back is highly rated in SW6 but has made just two substitute appearances for the first team so far, with only one of them coming under Enzo Maresca.
His current deal expires in 2026 and reports have suggested that Chelsea have opened talks over an extension to secure his long-term future.
Acheampong is understood to be the third choice right-back at Chelsea, behind Reece James and Malo Gusto.
But fans of his were left frustrated when he wasn’t even included in the matchday squad for games against Bournemouth and West Ham when neither James or Gusto were available earlier in the season.
However, it looks as though the teenager could be part of the squad for Chelsea’s visit to Heidenheim tonight after he was spotted in training ahead of the European tie.
Reece James remains injured for Chelsea meaning there is a spot that Acheampong could fill for Maresca’s side.
Acheampong is listed in Chelsea’s B-list for the Conference League, meaning he is eligible to play in the competition despite not being named in the A-list squad.
Acheampong hasn’t played for the U21s since September and has been short on game time since talks over a new deal stalled.
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The England U20 international is rumoured to be locked in talks over an extension with Chelsea said to have made tentative progress in the negotiations.
Acheampong is considered as a top talent and has been linked with a move away to the likes of Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich.
Chelsea are understood to be keen not to sell their rising star with clubs circling ahead of the January transfer window.
The versatile defender could follow in the footsteps of other highly-rated full-backs that have left Stamford Bridge in pursuit of regular minutes.
Both Tariq Lamptey and Tino Livramento took the leap to leave Chelsea and kickstart their careers elsewhere.