For the fourth game of our UEFA Conference League “league phase” journey, we make our way to Heidenheim in southern Germany, where the local upstarts await with open arms and waving flags and probably some un-well wishes for our football.

Chelsea have confirmed the travelling squad for their Conference League fixture against 1. FC Heidenheim on Thursday night.

Heidenheim were proving tricky opponents for Chelsea, with the hosts defending well to keep the Blues at bay in the first half. Chelsea's best chance came just before the break when a deep cross from Mykhailo Mudryk picked out Joao Felix, but the Portuguese international could only send his shot over the bar.

Chelsea welcomed back youngster Josh Acheampong to first-team training ahead of their Conference League clash against 1. FC Heidenheim.

Chelsea academy defender Josh Acheampong trained with the first-team squad this morning (Wednesday) — a sign that his exile from competitive action could be over. As The Athletic exclusively revealed last month,

Chelsea's young academy defender Josh Acheampong is training with the first team again ahead of a trip to Heidenheim in the Conference League. The 18-year-old looked on the verge of making his breakthrough under manager Enzo Maresca but an impasse over signing a new contract has led to his exile since late September.