Xabi Alonso has explained why Josh Acheampong was left out of the Chelsea squad for Sunday’s Premier League trip to Sunderland, saying the defender is “recovering from a minor thing” and will not be risked until after the international break.
Acheampong had started the 2-0 win over Manchester United last weekend, a result that lifted the Blues to fourth on 16 points. Alonso made two changes at the Stadium of Light: Pep Chavarria came into the back four in Acheampong’s place, with Marco Palestra switching to right-back, and Jordan Henderson replaced Estevao Willian.
