Chelsea FC's manager Enzo Maresca has revealed that forward Raheem Sterling and defender Axel Disasi will remain on the periphery of the first-team squad, training separately and using different facilities indefinitely.
In a statement ahead of Chelsea's Premier League match against Brentford, Maresca confirmed that neither player has trained with the main squad since the start of the season. "They are Chelsea players, but at the moment they are training separately, and the plan is to continue in this way," Maresca stated.
Both Sterling, 30, and Disasi, 27, were unable to secure moves away from Stamford Bridge before the transfer window closed. Sterling, who spent last season on loan at Arsenal, was reluctant to join Champions League sides Juventus or Bayer Leverkusen, preferring to stay in London to be close to his family. However, potential moves to Fulham, Crystal Palace, or West Ham were thwarted by his high wages and lack of interest from those clubs.
Disasi, who had strong interest from Sunderland, Bournemouth, and West Ham, held out for a return to his former club Monaco, which ultimately did not materialize. He spent the latter half of last season on loan at Aston Villa and has stated he is fit and available to play if called upon.
Despite their absence from the main squad, both players were included in Chelsea's Premier League squad list announced on Friday. Maresca also confirmed that Romeo Lavia, Benoit Badiashile, Liam Delap, Levi Colwill, and Dario Essugo will remain sidelined due to injuries. Cole Palmer is also a concern for the Brentford match due to a groin issue.
This development comes as Chelsea continues to navigate the complexities of their squad dynamics, with several players in limbo ahead of crucial Premier League fixtures.
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