Xabi Alonso reveals why Chelsea star didn’t make squad for Sunderland clash | Football

Chelsea travel to take on Sunderland in the Premier League on Sunday and Josh Acheampong is a surprise omission from Xabi Alonso’s squad.

The 20-year-old has been a regular in the Blues team this season under Alonso, making 11 appearances this campaign in all competitions.

The youngster has proved capable of playing in central defence and at right-back, but is not even on the bench at the Stadium of Light.

Alonso has confirmed that it is a fitness problem for the England Under-21 international, but not a serious one.

‘He’s recovering from a minor thing so he missed the fitness to be ready for today but we’re expecting hell be back after the international,’ said the Blues boss of his young defender. ‘It’s a pity because he was in a good moment.’

In Acheampong’s absence, Alonso has picked a back four of Marco Palestra, Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill and Pep Chavarria.

A midfield trio of Jordan Henderson, Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia are behind a front three of Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Pedro Neto.

That means Estevao has been dropped the bench, despite starting and impressing in the 2-0 win over Manchester United last time out.

With Joao Pedro still out injured, the 19-year-old forward will have hoped to retain his position in the starting XI, but has missed out at Sunderland.

Mike Penders remains in goal, with Emiliano Martinez pushing for a return from injury but not making it for this one.

‘For sure after the break he will be available,’ Alonso said of the Argentine goalkeeper.

Speaking last month on Acheampong’s progress, Alonso said: ‘He has taken a step forward. He is playing more maturely and more aggressively, and is knowing what it takes to compete in the Premier League.

‘He is on that journey as he has great potential and great qualities. He has played and he will play again.’

The Blues may have lost three of their first nine matches in the Premier League this season, but they go into this fixture fourth in the table.

Sunderland, in contrast, are bottom of the table with just five points won so far and even a shock win would not take them out of the relegation zone.

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