Chelsea wonderkid locked in contract stand-off spotted in first-team training ahead of Heidenheim clash

CHELSEA wonderkid Josh Acheampong has returned to training with the Blues ahead of their Conference League clash with Heidenheim.

Acheampong had previously been frozen out of training amid an intense contract stand-off.

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Josh Acheampong is locked in contract talks with Chelsea[/caption]

The defender (second from left) has returned to training after being frozen out amid the negotiations

The 18-year-old right-back is highly rated in SW6 but has made just two substitute appearances for the first team so far, with only one of them coming under Enzo Maresca.

His current deal expires in 2026 and reports have suggested that Chelsea have opened talks over an extension to secure his long-term future.

Acheampong is understood to be the third choice right-back at Chelsea, behind Reece James and Malo Gusto.

But fans of his were left frustrated when he wasn’t even included in the matchday squad for games against Bournemouth and West Ham when neither James or Gusto were available earlier in the season.

However, it looks as though the teenager could be part of the squad again soon after he was spotted in training ahead of the Blues’ European tie against Heidenheim.

Reece James remains injured for Chelsea meaning there is a spot that Acheampong could fill for Maresca’s side.

Acheampong is listed in Chelsea’s B-list for the Conference League, meaning he is eligible to play in the competition despite not being named in the A-list squad.

However, he wasn’t included in the travelling squad posted on Chelsea’s social media accounts yesterday.

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Fans were buoyed by Acheampong’s return to training, feeling it could be a sign he has renewed his terms with the club.

But Maresca was quick to throw water on the rumours by explaining in his post-match press conference that wasn’t the case.

He said: “There is not any update in terms of contract or these kind of things.

“He had a session with us in the last two days with some of the young players. He is not in the squad for tomorrow and we have four or five from the second team with us.”

Acheampong hasn’t played for the U21s since September and has been short on game time since talks over a new deal stalled.

The England U20 international is rumoured to be locked in talks over an extension with Chelsea said to have made tentative progress in the negotiations.

Acheampong is considered as a top talent and has been linked with a move away to the likes of Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich.

Chelsea are understood to be keen not to sell their rising star with clubs circling ahead of the January transfer window.

The versatile defender could follow in the footsteps of other highly-rated full-backs that have left Stamford Bridge in pursuit of regular minutes.

Both Tariq Lamptey and Tino Livramento took the leap to leave Chelsea and kickstart their careers elsewhere.