Axel Disasi: Chelsea 'bomb squad' star to be rewarded with first-team reintegration after academy cameo | OneFootball

French centre-back failed to find a move in the summer

Axel Disasi is being gradually integrated into Chelsea first-team training and a return to match action for the Blues this season has not been ruled out.

Standard Sport understands the club are considering whether to reward the transfer-listed defender for his professional attitude with minutes in cup competitions this season.

Chelsea have been assessing possible avenues to move Disasi and Sterling on in January. Head coach Enzo Maresca made it clear at the beginning of the season that neither was in his plans.

Disasi’s gradual integration into more Chelsea first-team training sessions is in part to help keep his fitness levels up in case of a January exit, which the club are still hoping to sort.

It is also a reward for the way he has conducted himself around Cobham and shown leadership by helping academy players.

Speaking in September, Maresca was adamant that those exiled to the bomb squad would not be reintegrated.

Asked whether there was a way back into the fold for Disasi or Sterling, he was firm: “No.

“First of all, they are Chelsea players and have contracts with the club, but at this moment they are still training apart.

“Since the start of the season, I haven't seen them.”