Axel Disasi's Resurgence: An Unexpected Return to Grace Under Rosenior's Guidance
Liam Rosenior orchestrates a surprising comeback for Axel Disasi, breathing fresh life into the forgotten defender as Chelsea face defensive setbacks. Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling's future remains uncertain.

Liam Rosenior has offered a shock lifeline to Axel Disasi, welcoming the defender back into first-team training after a year in the wilderness. The move comes as Chelsea suffer a significant defensive blow with Tosin Adarabioyo ruled out for several weeks due to a hamstring injury. However, there is no such reprieve for Raheem Sterling, who remains exiled from the main group as the club frantically seek a permanent exit before the January transfer window shuts.Rosenior has officially reintegrated Disasi into the first-team fold. The 27-year-old defender had become a peripheral figure in London, having not featured for the Blues since a Premier League appearance against Wolves on January 20, 2025. Following a loan spell at Aston Villa and a failure to secure a permanent move last summer, Disasi had been training in isolation, effectively resigned to the club's infamous "bomb squad".However, the arrival of Rosenior has shifted the landscape. Ahead of Chelsea’s Champions League clash with Pafos, the new manager revealed that he held face-to-face talks with the French international to clear the air. "I had a really good meeting with him a couple of days ago," Rosenior explained. "I wanted to catch up with him, see where he was in terms of his career. I said to the players when I came in, it’s a clean slate for everybody."Rosenior emphasised that the decision was based on merit and the "right thing" for the group dynamic, although he cautioned that Disasi faces a long road back to competitive action. "Because of the situation he’s been in, he’s behind in terms of his match fitness. We’ll keep working with him really, really hard to get him up to speed," he added.The decision to recall Disasi has likely been accelerated by a frustrating injury setback for Tosin Adarabioyo. The 28-year-old centre-back, who has been a reliable presence this season, was forced off during the 2-0 victory over Brentford at the weekend. Scans have since confirmed a hamstring issue that will sideline him for the foreseeable future."Unfortunately for Tosin, there’s something in his hamstring which is going to rule him out for the next few weeks," Rosenior confirmed on Tuesday. "But I can’t be more precise with that at the moment."The loss of Tosin depletes Chelsea’s defensive options during a congested fixture list. While Disasi is not yet match-fit enough to step immediately into the starting XI for the midweek European tie, his presence in training provides Rosenior with an extra body and experienced cover as the medical team works to rehabilitate Tosin.Looking for smarter football bets? Get expert previews, data-driven predictions & winning insights with GOAL Tips on Telegram. Join our growing community now!While Disasi has been granted a reprieve, the door remains firmly shut for Sterling. The 31-year-old winger has not returned to first-team training and appears to have played his final game for the club. Despite the change in management, the stance on Sterling remains unchanged, with the hierarchy and the manager aligned on moving the high earner off the books this month.Rosenior was candid about the situation, hinting that negotiations over Sterling's future are active. "We’re in conversations at the moment about different things and different options that are going on in his career," the manager said. "Hopefully that will be clearer in the next few days."Interest in Disasi also remains high, with clubs in England, Italy, and France monitoring his situation. Chelsea would reportedly prefer a permanent sale, but his reintegration into training suggests Rosenior sees value in keeping him involved, unlike Sterling, whose exit seems inevitable.Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingBeyond the defensive headlines, Rosenior received positive news regarding the wider health of his squad ahead of Wednesday's meeting with Pafos. The illness bug that swept through the camp appears to have subsided, with Estevao, Malo Gusto and Jamie Gittens all declared available for selection after missing the Brentford win.There is also optimism surrounding Enzo Fernandez. The midfielder played through illness at the weekend and missed training on Monday as a precaution, but he returned to the grass on Tuesday. Rosenior will make a final decision on the Argentine's involvement closer to kick-off, but the return of key attacking talents like Estevao will be a welcome boost as Chelsea look to cement their standing in the Champions League.
A Resurrection in Blue
Liam Rosenior has thrown a lifeline to Axel Disasi, ushering him back into the first-team setup after a prolonged absence. Disasi had been on the fringes at Chelsea, relegated to the 'bomb squad' following a lack of game time since early 2025. However, Rosenior's arrival has marked a significant shift in fortunes for the French defender, who is now back in the fold and determined to prove his worth.
Road to Redemption
Following productive discussions with Disasi, Rosenior emphasized the importance of a clean slate for all players under his tenure. The decision to reintegrate Disasi was based on merit and an assessment of what is best for the team dynamic. While he faces a challenge to regain match fitness, the opportunity presents a new chapter for the 27-year-old to showcase his capabilities and contribute to Chelsea's defensive setup.
Defensive Setback and Tactical Adjustments
The sudden injury blow to Tosin Adarabioyo has further underlined the significance of Disasi's return. With Adarabioyo sidelined for the foreseeable future, Chelsea's defensive options are stretched, necessitating creative solutions from Rosenior. While Disasi may not be ready for immediate match action, his presence in training offers valuable cover and experience during a demanding fixture schedule.
Sterling Saga Continues
In contrast to Disasi's resurgence, Raheem Sterling's future at Chelsea remains shrouded in uncertainty. Excluded from first-team activities, Sterling's departure from the club appears imminent as negotiations gather pace. Rosenior's transparency regarding Sterling's situation indicates a collective decision to part ways, paving the path for the forward's next career move.
Squad Health and Tactical Optimism
Amidst the roster challenges, Rosenior has received positive updates on player availability ahead of crucial fixtures. The return of key players like Estevao and the recovery of squad members from illness bode well for Chelsea's upcoming matches. As Rosenior navigates squad dynamics and strategic considerations, the renewed energy within the team sets a promising tone for future encounters.















