Axel Disasi's behind-the-scenes role delights Enzo Maresca despite Chelsea snub

Axel Disasi is set to be reintegrated into the Chelsea first-team squad (Image: Chris Lee - Chelsea FC)

Chelsea are planning on reintegrating Axel Disasi back into the first-team squad over time, with the out-of-favour Frenchman impressing behind the scenes this season.

The 27-year-old was told he could leave the Blues in the summer transfer window but a move for the defender never materialised. Disasi was then informed he was no longer part of the first-team plans at Stamford Bridge and was training separately to the senior squad at the club's base in Cobham.

Chelsea are now planning on reintroducing Disasi to the first-team picture over time, which is also a reflection on how impressive and helpful the former AS Monaco defender has been behind the scenes with the younger players. Enzo Maresca has been asked about Disasi and Raheem Sterling , who has been in a similar boat to his teammate, but the Chelsea head coach has repeatedly told reporters they are not part of the first-team plans going forward.

That view has changed slightly due to the way Disasi has conducted himself. Whether or not Disasi makes the squad for Chelsea's Premier League trip to Burnley after the international break remains to be seen but the plan is to reintegrate him over time, so there is certainly no rush to do so, especially with his fitness levels at the moment.

Disasi has been at Stamford Bridge since signing from Monaco in the summer of 2023 for just shy of £40million. The Frenchman has appeared 61 times for Chelsea in all competitions since arriving over two years ago.