Aug 2, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling (17) dribbles the ball against Borussia Dortmund during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports

soccer

Chelsea Boss Enzo Maresca Gives Update on Sterling and Disasi’s Uncertain Future

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi remain part of the club’s “bomb squad” and will continue to train away from the first-team group. Speaking ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Brentford, Maresca revealed the pair have been isolated from the main squad since the start of the season.

Both Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi were expected to leave Stamford Bridge this summer but saw potential moves collapse. Sterling rejected offers from Champions League clubs Juventus and Bayer Leverkusen, preferring a switch to another London side to remain close to family. Despite encouragement from Chelsea, no formal offers came from Fulham, Crystal Palace or West Ham. Notably, Raheem Sterling’s £325,000-per-week wages proved a significant barrier.

I Haven’t Seen Either Raheem Sterling or Axel Disasi: Maresca

French defender Disasi attracted interest from Sunderland, Bournemouth and West Ham, but all three deals fell through as he held out for a return to Monaco which never materialised. The defender has since stated he is fit and ready to play if called upon.

Also Read: Which Countries Have Qualified for the 2026 World Cup?

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said,

“They are Chelsea players, but at the moment they are training separately and the plan is to continue in this way. Since the season started, I haven’t seen either of them. I haven’t seen Axel or Raheem. They train at a different time and on a different pitch. I haven’t seen them since the start of the season.”

Sterling and Disasi, along with striker David Datro Fofana, were still registered in Chelsea’s official Premier League squad list confirmed on Friday. However, their futures at Stamford Bridge appear to be over given Maresca’s statement.

🚨🔵 Enzo Maresca: “There’s NO way back into our squad for Axel Disasi and Raheem Sterling”. pic.twitter.com/TNKENYGozD
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 12, 2025

Also Read: Anthony Martial Nearing Shock Move to Mexican Club Monterrey

Elsewhere, Chelsea’s injury list continues to mount. Romeo Lavia and Benoit Badiashile remain unavailable. Long-term absentees Liam Delap, Levi Colwill and Dario Essugo are still sidelined. England forward Cole Palmer is also a doubt for the Brentford trip due to a groin problem.

Axel Disasi

Chelsea

Enzo Maresca

Raheem Sterling

Abhinav Goel

soccer

I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.