When the lineups were released for Chelsea vs Sunderland it was immediately noticeable that the Blues had made some unexpected moves. The no-striker formation was used again with a midfield three of Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, and Jordan Henderson backing up three attackers/wingers. In addition, the back line looked brand new and a little bare with Josh Acheampong not involved in the squad at all. The Cobham graduate has been a regular in this campaign so his total absence was clear to any fan.
Read More: Chelsea vs Sunderland Confirmed Lineups
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Josh Acheampong Status Confirmed Following Chelsea vs Sunderland Absence
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Nizaar Kinsella has provided the latest update on the young defender. It is described as a small issue that likely won’t impact future matches. This comes as good news as the homegrown defender has been used as a versatile right-sided defender who can shift between a back three and back four as needed. His absence along with the injury to Reece James leaves the side without a proven versatile player for that side of the back line.
All in all, it could have been far worse. The manager will be happy to have Acheampong back for the match with Leeds in a few weeks time.
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With the back line already hurting, this is another problem for Xabi Alonso to handle that will give him headaches. He was already without captain James and experienced, expensive centre back Maxence Lacroix. Losing Acheampong adds to the headache as he was a versatile piece who can alternate from right centre-back to right back depending on game state and tactical setup.
With the injury to Joao Pedro and the absence of Emi Martinez already impacting the team in goal and up front, the crisis in the back line is a tenuous balancing act that could cause a poor run of form if more dominoes continue to fall. Luckily, this one seems to be a short term issue that won’t see the English youth miss many matches.
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Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com
