Axel Disasi is being progressively incorporated into Chelsea’s first-team training, and it has not been ruled out that he may play again for the Blues this season. The French centre defender was seen in first-team training on Thursday, although he has been a part of the Chelsea “bomb squad”, exercising apart from Raheem Sterling.
According to Standard Sport, the club is debating whether to give the transfer-listed defence minutes in cup tournaments this season in recognition of his professional demeanour. The 27-year-old is not included on Chelsea’s Champions League or Premier League rosters.
Last Saturday, he led the Chelsea Under-21s to a 4-1 victory over Reading in the Premier League 2, making a rare appearance for the team. Chelsea has been looking for ways to let Sterling and Disasi go in January. At the start of the season, head coach Enzo Maresca made it apparent that neither was part of his intentions.
Axel Disasi’s behind-the-scenes role sees Chelsea’s new plan for axed star
Disasi is gradually being incorporated into more Chelsea first-team training sessions in part to maintain his level of fitness in the event of a January departure, something the team is currently trying to resolve. Additionally, it is a reward for the way he has behaved around Cobham and demonstrated leadership by lending support to young players.
Maresca insisted in a September speech that individuals sent to the bomb squad would not be allowed to return. He was adamant when asked if Sterling or Disasi might return to the fold: “No.” First of all, despite having contracts with Chelsea, they are now still training independently. “I haven’t seen them since the beginning of the season.”
The way Disasi has behaved himself has somewhat altered that opinion. Disasi’s inclusion in the squad for Chelsea’s Premier League trip to Burnley following the international break is still up in the air, but as the objective is to reintegrate him gradually, there is definitely no urgency to do so, especially given his current state of fitness.
