The reason why Joao Felix has not travelled with the Chelsea squad for their Conference League fixture against FC Astana has been revealed.

Maresca confirmed that young full-back Josh Acheampong will be among the academy graduates involved and is expected to start, bringing to an end his near-three-month exile over a contract dispute. Chelsea have confirmed a young squad has made the long journey as Maresca’s rotation policy continues.

Chelsea have added youngsters Josh Acheampong, Ato Ampah, Harrison McMahon, Kaiden Wilson, Richard Olise (brother of Michael), and Harrison Murray-Campbell to their Conference League squad to play Astana in Kazakhstan. Tyrique George, Kiano Dyer, Sam Rak-Sakyi and Shim Mheuka were already included.