Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca will not risk the development of 18-year-old Josh Acheampong by pressing him into emergency service in his team’s injury-shot defence for the rest of the season.

Maresca is already without first-choice central defender Wesley Fofana possibly until next season, with the most senior direct replacement Benoit Badiashile out until at least February.

The club have been linked with a move for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi while they also have the opportunity to recall Trevoh Chalobah from his loan at Selhurst Park.

Academy graduate Acheampong was handed a full Premier League debut in last Saturday’s 1-1 draw away to Palace after resolving a stand-off with the Blues over a contract dispute, during which club bosses had made him unavailable for selection.

The teenager impressed during the stalemate in south London, as he has when called upon in the Conference League this season, but Maresca said that due to his age he cannot be considered a solution to the injury crisis, heightening the probability of the club entering the January market.

“He’s ready,” said Maresca. “The reason we gave him a chance against Palace is because we think he is ready. He showed how good he is.

“Because of his personal issues, contract problems, that was the reason we were not using Josh. Then the moment everything was solid, we started to use him.

“He’s shown how good he is. But to rely on 18-year-old players for all the season probably is not the correct thing. They need to do the right path, and the right path can be tomorrow’s game or Tuesday’s game.

“But for sure, doing the right things he’s a player that can be in this club for many years.”