Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca questioned whether those advising Josh Acheampong have his bests interests at heart.
The Blues informed Acheampong on Tuesday he would not feature at all for the first team or development squad until he pens a new deal.
Acheampong has refused to sign a new deal at ChelseaGetty
Acheampong, whose contract expires in 2026, is considered one of the brightest prospects at Cobham and has attracted interest from Liverpool and Real Madrid.
talkSPORT understands Chelsea‘s intention is to keep a hold of him but the longer the contract saga continues, it could force the Blues’ hand.
Acheampong’s recent refusal to extend has caught Maresca by surprise, especially since the pair had a good conversation about the teenage star’s future in recent weeks.
“I feel a shame for Josh,” Maresca said.
“This kind of game could be an opportunity for him. I had a chat with him personally about three weeks ago about his situation. The chat we had was very positive.
“It’s a shame because I really think Josh potentially can be a top player. He’s still 18, so many things can change for him, but potentially he can be very important for Chelsea.
“It’s so important for the club that our intention is not to lose him. The first thing we need to do is find a solution about his contract, his future.
“It’s a bad situation in this moment for him. I don’t know if the people who are trying to solve the problem are helping him or not.”
Maresca added: “I really like Josh and I would like to have him here with us. But it’s not possible.”
Acheampong was handed his Chelsea debut by Mauricio Pochettino last season in a 2-0 win over Tottenham at Stamford Bridge.
Maresca questioned if those around Acheampong have his best interests at heartGetty
The 18-year-old enjoyed a five-minute cameo off the bench against Chelsea’s London rivals.
He was also an unused substitute for three other Premier League fixtures as well as the Blues’ FA Cup quarter final match against Leicester City.
Acheampong has featured once for Chelsea’s senior team this season as he enjoyed 27 minutes off the bench in the Blues’ 5-0 thrashing of Barrow in the EFL Cup.
He was an unused substitute in the second leg of Chelsea’s Europa Conference League qualifier against Swiss side Servette as well.
Acheampong also featured for England’s Under-19 side during the September international break as he started in a 2-2 draw against Italy and a 3-2 loss to Germany.
Chelsea are in Europa Conference League action on Thursday against Greek side Panathinaikos, a match you can listen to live on talkSPORT 2.
