Chelsea have been handed another injury concern after Josh Acheampong was forced to withdraw from England Under-21 duty ahead of the international break.
The young defender recently missed the Blues' defeat against Sunderland, but this latest setback means he may not be available when Xabi Alonso's side return to action later this month.
It's bad timing for Acheampong after he's been enjoying an important role at Stamford Bridge.
Josh Acheampong withdraws from England Under-21 squad
The Football Association, via The Sun, confirmed that Acheampong has withdrawn from Lee Carsley's England Under-21 squad ahead of their upcoming friendlies against Portugal and France.
The FA said: “Josh Acheampong and James Beadle have withdrawn from the England U21 squad ahead of their upcoming fixtures against Portugal and France. [...] “No further additions are planned at this moment in time.”
The Chelsea defender was initially selected for the two matches but will now miss both and has returned to the Blues.
As the FA announced, goalkeeper James Beadle has also withdrawn from the squad, with the national body confirming that both players are now unavailable for the international double-header.
Prior to Acheampong's absence against Sunderland, Alonso explained that the 20-year-old was recovering from a minor issue after feeling something during training.
"He is recovering from a minor thing," the Chelsea manager said at the time. "He missed the fitness to be ready for today but we are expecting that he will be back after the international break."
Although an encouraging update at the time, Acheampong's recent withdrawal from international duty means Chelsea fans must now sweat on learning the extent of the defender's injury. Not ideal at all.
Chelsea handed another injury problem ahead of Leeds United clash
With Daniel Farke's in form Leeds United up next, Acheampong's absence would be be a frustrating blow for Alonso.
The academy graduate has been given well deserved minutes this season and really looks to be kicking on.
He has also moved ahead of Malo Gusto in the right-back pecking order, making him a solid alternative option with Reece James still dealing with injury problems.
His versatility is another valuable asset. He can operate at centre-back as well as right-back.
The Blues are due to return to Premier League action against Leeds United on 21 November, giving Acheampong time to recover during the international break, but there are no guarantees he'll make the fixture at Stamford Bridge.
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