Enzo Maresca drops surprise Moises Caicedo replacement hint

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has hinted that Josh Acheampong could be used in a defensive midfield role versus Leeds United on Wednesday night following Moises Caicedo’s red card against Arsenal.

Caicedo, who has been linked with a blockbuster move to Real Madrid in recent months, was sent off in the 38th minute of Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Mikel Arteta’s side after a VAR review adjudged his late challenge on Mikel Merino to be worthy of a red card.

As a result, he will miss Chelsea’s next three Premier League fixtures versus Leeds, Bournemouth and Everton. He will, however, be available for their Champions League away trip to Atalanta on 9 December.

With Caicedo, 24, unavailable for the Blues’ trip to Elland Road, Maresca will be forced to utilise an alternative option in the middle of the park. Dario Essugo and Romeo Lavia are both still missing with injury and Andrey Santos is therefore widely expected to be deployed alongside Enzo Fernandez in central midfield.

However, Maresca has hinted that Acheampong could also feature in that role.

Josh Acheampong to replace Moises Caicedo?

“Andrey [Santos] is ready,” the Chelsea boss told reporters during his pre-match press conference. “His position is playing as a No.6, like Moi, but he is ready. One that can play good in that position is Josh [Acheampong], but we will see.”

Acheampong has featured in midfield on occasion since his breakthrough into the senior squad, although he is naturally a defender and has far more frequently played at either centre-back or right-back.

But, Maresca’s comments suggest that he could be pushed into a slightly more advanced role against Leeds due to the absence of Caicedo and the fact that Reece James is likely to be rested after playing the entire 90 minutes versus Arsenal on Saturday.

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