Maresca confirms ‘technical decision’ behind Mudryk absence against Liverpool | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca has confirmed the decision to leave Mykhailo Mudryk out of the Chelsea squad in the defeat to Liverpool was a “technical” one and not down to an injury.

The 23-year-old has struggled to nail down a starting place for the Blues since his big money move from Shakthar Donetsk last January, and has again found himself in and out of the team under another new boss in Maresca.

And the Chelsea head coach says it was not an injury which forced Mudryk to miss out against Liverpool but is backing the youngster to improve.

“No, that was a technical decision. He is here with us and is available for tomorrow,” he said ahead of the Conference League clash with Panathinaikos.

And asked when Chelsea fans can expect to see him receive a bigger opportunity, he said: “When? I don’t know. The only thing I can say is we try to work with Misha every day.

“Hopefully he can get better and better. He’s doing well but there are more players doing well. The most important thing for us is that when they get the chance, they take it.”

The Chelsea boss also discussed the contract situation of defender Josh Acheampong, admitting it is a “shame” that the 18-year-old has not committed his future to the club.

On whether he has been told not to play him, Maresca said: “No. To be honest, I feel a bit of shame for Josh because I think this kind of games can be an opportunity for him.

“I had a chat with him, personally, about three weeks ago; about his situation and the chat we had was a very good chat, a positive chat but since that moment I haven’t spoken to him again.

“As I said, it’s a shame. I think Josh potentially can become a top player. He is still 18, so still very young, so many things can change for him, but he can potentially be very important thing 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 to find a solution for his future. The most important thing at this stage is to get minutes, enjoy and to play football.

“For him, I don’t know the people who are trying to solve the problem, if they are helping him or not. I really like Josh and I would really like to have him here with us but it is not possible.”