Chelsea’s highly-rated teenage defender Josh Acheampong has been told he will not play for the club’s first team or development squad until he signs a new contract. Acheampong’s current deal expires in 2026 and the club have opened talks over an extension to secure his long-term future,

Enzo Maresca has called for an end to Josh Acheampong’s contract stand-off, insisting the highly-rated youngster needs to be playing regular football - and that Chelsea are desperate to keep him. Acheampong has not played for the Blues at either senior or U21 level in a month amid reports he has been told that he will not do so until he signs a new long-term deal.

The Chelsea predicted ahead of their Europa Conference League game against Greek side Panathinaikos later today.