New Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior will hold direct talks with Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi this week to determine their roles at the club.
Sterling and Disasi Await Fate as Rosenior Plans Chelsea Talks
The duo, who have not featured this season, find themselves at a career crossroads at Stamford Bridge.
Rosenior, only four days into the job, has prioritized immediate match preparation but now plans conversations with both players.
He acknowledged their situations require his attention. “I will have conversations with them,” stated the 41-year-old coach.
“Raheem’s had an outstanding career. I’ve got huge respect for him and Axel.”
Sterling, earning approximately £325,000 weekly, still has 18 months on his contract but has attracted interest from clubs like Fulham.
Disasi, the French defender signed from Monaco, has also been available for transfer. Chelsea’s preference remains to streamline the squad this January, though a lack of buyers has complicated matters.
However, Rosenior is not rushing any decisions. He emphasized his desire to fully assess the existing group before seeking new signings.
His opening 5-1 FA Cup win over Charlton featured several squad players, which gave him positive impressions.
“Sometimes the answers lay within the building and not outside,” Rosenior explained, indicating he may reintegrate out-of-favor players.
“I’ll make a decision on that with the guys probably later in the window when I’ve seen everyone play.”
The immediate focus remains on Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Arsenal.
Rosenior confirmed he will carefully manage the fitness of key attacker Cole Palmer, who is an injury doubt.
With six games this month, the new coach must balance squad evaluation with crucial fixtures, starting with a reunion with two high-profile players in limbo.
