After four consecutive matches away from home across three different competitions, the Blues return to Stamford Bridge tomorrow as we welcome the Seagulls to SW6.

We will do so, however, without three of our centre-backs. Levi Colwill is a long-term absentee after undergoing surgery on a knee injury in August, Tosin Adarabioyo is ruled out with a calf issue and Wesley Fofana is sidelined due to a concussion suffered against Lincoln City.

A decision over Benoit Badiashile's fitness is also required. The French defender has yet to feature this season due to an injury during our triumphant FIFA Club World Cup campaign.

Acheampong was himself absent in midweek against Lincoln due to illness, but returned to training on Thursday as we stepped up our preparations for the clash with Fabian Hurzeler's side.

The 19-year-old started our season opener against Crystal Palace and did well to help marshal the imposing Jean-Philippe Mateta during the 0-0 draw. Maresca has reiterated that the faith he has in Acheampong is not born out of the availability of his other defensive options.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the Blues head coach said: 'I’ve already shown trust and confidence in Josh Acheampong.

'Last year, when he played games in a row in the Premier League, every central defender was available. When we played Josh away to Palace and at home to Bournemouth, the reason wasn't because we didn't have central defenders. I think Tosin was available [for both games].

'We trust Josh not because of an injury situation. Nothing has changed with Josh, we trust him 100 per cent. He was ill earlier this week and had his first session back yesterday with us. But part of my job is to find solutions when we have problems in terms of numbers.

'Last year, I tried to do the same with the number nine [position], when Nicolas [Jackson] was injured and when Marc [Guiu] was injured. We tried with Pedro Neto and we tried with Ty [George]. So, I will try to find solutions at this moment with the central defenders.'

There’s still time to secure your seat for Saturday's 3pm kick-off against the Seagulls with Club Chelsea. Limited packages remaining, book now.