Chelsea Bomb Squad Defender Axel Disasi Returns to Training

Chelsea bomb squad defender Axel Disasi has been spotted back in first-team training at Cobham, marking a potential twist in his turbulent stint at Stamford Bridge. The 27-year-old French centre-back, once a mainstay in Chelsea’s backline, had been frozen out of the squad and relegated to the infamous “bomb squad” alongside other outcasts such as Raheem Sterling and Renato Veiga. Disasi’s appearance with the senior group during the international break has reignited speculation about his future at the club.

Axel Disasi’s Tumultuous Chelsea Journey

Signed from Monaco in January 2023 for £38.5 million, Axel Disasi quickly made his mark, racking up 61 appearances for Chelsea. However, his fortunes changed dramatically last summer when he, alongside several senior players, was told to train separately as the club sought to clarify their futures. Despite interest from West Ham, Bournemouth, and Sunderland for a loan move, Disasi turned down English suitors, hoping for an overseas transfer that ultimately did not materialize.

Chelsea Bomb Squad: A Harsh Reality

The Chelsea “bomb squad” refers to a group of players explicitly separated from the first-team environment while negotiations for transfers or contract terminations unfold. Disasi offered fans a rare glimpse into this isolation with an Instagram post captioned “Life,” showing the group’s basic quarters—far from the luxurious settings typically associated with Premier League stars.

Professionalism Amidst Uncertainty

Despite his exile, Disasi has maintained a professional attitude. He embraced a mentoring role, captaining the Chelsea Under-21s to a 4-1 victory over Reading and earning praise for his dedication and leadership. His conduct has been well received internally, underlining his commitment to the club even while sidelined.

Dress Room Dynamics: A Delicate Balance

Chelsea legend Pat Nevin has warned that management’s tough stance toward the bomb squad could have broader ramifications. “When you treat workers like that, the other workers know this. Just be careful,” Nevin remarked, citing the potential for unrest within the squad. He emphasized the importance of handling such situations with care to maintain team spirit, especially given the presence of popular figures like Raheem Sterling among the outcasts.

Manager Enzo Maresca Stands Firm

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has remained resolute regarding the bomb squad members. In his latest comments, Maresca stated, “They are Chelsea players because they have a contract with the club. In this moment, they are still training apart. The idea is to continue in exactly the same way. Since we started the season, I didn’t see one of them.” When pressed about a possible return for any bomb squad members, Maresca replied bluntly: “With us? No.”

January Exit Looms for Disasi

Despite Disasi’s return to training with the first team, Chelsea’s intention remains clear: they aim to offload him during the January transfer window. Nevertheless, with both Disasi and Sterling registered in the Premier League squad, the club may utilize their experience during a packed festive period, including vital Champions League fixtures against Barcelona and Atalanta, and a Carabao Cup quarter-final against Cardiff City.

What Lies Ahead for Axel Disasi?

Chelsea’s next Premier League engagement on November 22 at Burnley could offer clues about Disasi’s immediate future. While his inclusion in the matchday squad remains uncertain, his current involvement in training hints at a potential role if squad depth is tested by injuries or suspensions.

Opinion: Chelsea’s Bomb Squad Policy Needs a Rethink

The handling of Axel Disasi and his fellow bomb squad members raises important questions about player management and morale. While maintaining discipline is crucial, isolating professionals risks undermining squad unity and setting a negative precedent. Disasi’s professionalism through adversity demonstrates resilience, but Chelsea must carefully weigh the long-term implications of such strategies. As the January transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on whether Chelsea can find a suitable exit for Disasi or reintegrate him into the squad.

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