Chelsea's recent form has left the supporters worried. And with key players like Levi Colwill, Cole Palmer and Liam Delap expected to remain out for the foreseeable future, some longer than the others, it is hard to the Blues showing much improvement in upcoming games. They do need to be doing much better though, if they are to remain in the top four race. Their title hopes are as good as over already.
Chelsea's weakest point so far this season has been their defence. Although they have not been anything special going forward either, especially when Palmer is not on the pitch, at least they have scored a few goals here and there.
Defensively, Chelsea have looked terrible. There is an uncertainty about the defensive side of their game at the moment. Long balls, corners, crossed, they are not dealing with pretty much anything. And Enzo Maresca needs to show some courage and drop a few relatively established names.
Without Colwill by their side, Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo have both struggled. Wesley Fofana, having constantly dealt with injuries over the past few years, looks like a shell of the player he once was. So, it is about time that Josh Acheampong gets his chance.
Chelsea handed boost for Brighton game as player back in training
Acheampong did brilliantly in the opening game of the season, against Crystal Palace, helping keep a clean sheet. But inexplicably, he has not played a single minute of football since then.
The recent game against Lincoln City was expected to be his second start, and appearance, of the season. So, fans were left confused when he was not included in the squad even against League One opposition. Many feared that there had been a falling out behind the scenes.
That was not the case though. It quickly emerged that Acheampong had been dealing with illness. Well, there is positive news on that front.
Chelsea posted pictures from training on their official website heading into the game against Brighton & Hove Albion. And Acheampong is seen taking part with teammates, which suggests he is set to be available this weekend.
Whether Maresca will give him a chance or not remains to be seen. Perhaps the Italian will stick with the tried-tested-and-failed combination of Adarabioyo and Chalobah. Or maybe he will bring in Fofana ahead of Acheampong once again, even though the Frenchman has looked completely off the pace in every game he has played in so far.