Chelsea exile returns to training amid contract ultimatum and Real Madrid links

Chelsea academy star Josh Acheampong has been allowed to return to first-team training this week after being locked in a standoff with the club regarding a potential contract extension.

The 18-year-old right-back joined Chelsea's youth setup a decade ago, working his way through the age groups before making his senior debut in May. Acheampong signed a new two-year deal until 2026 over the summer and was given a second-half cameo by Enzo Maresca in the Carabao Cup triumph over Barrow in September, but is yet to earn any more senior minutes.

But a report emerged in October that Acheampong had been exiled from all first-team activities until he signed another extension with Chelsea. Maresca admitted that the situation was "a shame", lamenting his inability to use someone who "can become a top player".

However, Acheampong was welcomed back into the first-team fold during Wednesday's open training session, per The Athletic. There have been no official updates on the defender's contractual status, although his involvement is a sign that the icy relationship may be thawing.

Real Madrid have been linked with a surprise move for Acheampong this season, which may have contributed to Chelsea's insistence on his commitment to a new deal.

Chelsea travel to Germany to face Heidenheim in the Conference League on Thursday evening. Maresca has used the third-tier continental competition as a safe environment for young, inexperienced players. More established star figures such as Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia were both left out of Chelsea's squad for the Conference League's entire group stage.

Acheampong made it onto the club's 'B' list of academy products who can be called upon. The teenager was included as a substitute in a qualifier against Servette, but is yet to earn any actual minutes in the competition. After returning to training, the next step is competitive action.

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