Chelsea could soften the impact of Gusto’s injury by promoting a talented Cobham teenager as an ideal replacement. This young prospect could fill the gap effectively in the team’s lineup.
Enzo Maresca’s start at Chelsea has been a mixed bag, with one win, one draw, and one loss in his first three Premier League matches. The early part of his tenure has been marked by the typical transfer frenzy at Stamford Bridge, with numerous players coming in and leaving. Managing this constant flux while trying to solidify his team has posed a challenge.
In their latest game, Chelsea settled for a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace at home, but the bigger blow for Maresca came when full-back Malo Gusto had to be taken off the pitch due to an injury in the second half. The injury, which occurred without any contact, is a worrying sign for the club, as Gusto has been a key player. Last season, he logged 2,475 minutes in 37 matches across all competitions, contributing nine assists and playing a vital role in eight clean sheets.
Both Gusto and Reece James are currently sidelined, leaving Chelsea short of options in the full-back position. While Gusto’s return date remains uncertain, it’s been reported that he won’t be available for the upcoming match against Bournemouth after the international break. He has already pulled out of France’s U21 squad due to his injury. Reece James, who has also struggled with injuries, is likely to miss the Bournemouth match as well. Journalist Matt Law suggests James is still several weeks away from full training. James’ injury troubles have plagued him for some time—last season, he made only 11 appearances for Chelsea, contributing two assists and one clean sheet in a mere 482 minutes. His prolonged absence was due to hamstring injuries that kept him out for 205 days and required surgery.
Despite the injury concerns, Chelsea fans have reason to be hopeful with the emergence of 18-year-old Josh Acheampong. The young defender, who can play both right-back and center-back, has been impressing with his physicality and tactical awareness. Standing at 6-foot-1 and known for his defensive strength, Acheampong has already been praised by analysts like Ben Mattinson, who described him as “dominant” due to his physical maturity, ability to defend wide areas, and his proficiency in carrying the ball.
Last season, Acheampong made 19 appearances at different levels for Chelsea and earned his Premier League debut as a substitute in a match against Tottenham. At the youth level, the teenager contributed two goals, three assists, and helped secure four clean sheets. His blend of athleticism and versatility makes him the ideal modern-day defender capable of playing multiple roles. His long stride allows him to cover large areas of the field, recover possession, and drive forward with the ball, fitting the mold of the fullback-central defender hybrid that modern football demands.
At just 18, it’s not just his physical and technical capabilities that have impressed scouts and analysts—his maturity and composure on the pitch have also been noted. Scout Jacek Kulig even highlighted his mental toughness and readiness to handle the pressure at the highest level.
Acheampong, however, faces the daunting task of living up to the high standards set by Chelsea’s established full-backs like James and Gusto. Both players have been integral in pushing the team forward from the right-back position with their ability to carry the ball and deliver key passes. They consistently provide assists and create scoring opportunities, while also maintaining a solid defensive presence, averaging nearly three tackles per game. Nevertheless, Acheampong appears to have the tools to follow in their footsteps, and Chelsea might very well have another world-class full-back in the making.
