Josh Acheampong has withdrawn from the England Under-21s squad and returned to Chelsea, meaning he will play no part in the Young Lions' upcoming fixtures against Portugal and France.
The defender missed Sunday's 1-0 defeat at Sunderland in the Premier League, where Enzo Le Fee's penalty was enough to move the Black Cats off the foot of the table.
Statement on Acheampong and Beadle
A statement reads: “Josh Acheampong and James Beadle have withdrawn from the England men's under-21 squad ahead of their upcoming fixtures against Portugal and France.
“Lee Carsley's side are scheduled to face both nations at Ashton Gate in Bristol during the November international window.
“Acheampong has withdrawn from the squad having been absent for Chelsea’s trip to Sunderland whilst Beadle was substituted during half time of Birmingham City's victory over Lincoln City and subsequently missed Blues’ next two fixtures.
“Both players are now unavailable for the Young Lions' double-header.”
Alonso's comments on Acheampong
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso was asked ahead of the Sunderland game why Acheampong was absent from the matchday squad.
He replied: “He is recovering from a minor thing. He missed the fitness to be ready for today but we are expecting that he will be back after the international break. It’s a pity because he was in a good moment.”
