Imagine being exiled by your own club, labeled an outcast, and told there’s 'no way back'—only to suddenly reappear training with the first team. That’s the bizarre reality for Chelsea’s Axel Disasi, a player once banished to the infamous 'bomb squad.' But here’s where it gets controversial: could this be a genuine second chance, or just a temporary tactical move?
In a surprising turn of events, Chelsea’s Axel Disasi, the 27-year-old French defender, has been spotted training with the first team during the international break. This comes despite manager Enzo Maresca’s repeated assertions that there is 'no way back' for the player, who spent the latter half of last season on loan at Aston Villa. Disasi, signed from Monaco in January 2023 for £38.5 million, found himself sidelined to the 'bomb squad'—a group of players effectively frozen out of the main squad—after rejecting loan offers from West Ham, Bournemouth, and Sunderland in favor of a move abroad that never materialized. Now, images from Cobham training ground show him sprinting alongside first-team players like Liam Delap, sparking speculation about his future.
How did Disasi end up in this footballing no-man’s land? After 61 appearances for Chelsea, he was abruptly demoted to the 'bomb squad' alongside other high-profile players like Raheem Sterling and Renato Veiga. During the summer, these outcasts were forced to train separately, their futures uncertain. Disasi offered a rare glimpse into this exile in an Instagram post captioned simply 'Life,' showcasing a stark, barren changing room—a far cry from the luxury typically associated with top-tier football. Wooden benches, small windows, and an old air-conditioning unit painted a picture of isolation and neglect.
But here’s the part most people miss: Despite his exile, Disasi has maintained a commendable level of professionalism. He’s taken on a mentoring role within the academy and recently captained the Under-21s to a 4-1 victory over Reading, earning internal praise for his attitude. Yet, Chelsea legend Pat Nevin warns that mishandling these outcasts could damage team morale. 'Players are selfish, and they take care of themselves,' Nevin told BetIdeas.com. 'But when you treat players like this, it sends a dangerous message to the rest of the squad. It can harm the spirit.' Nevin’s words raise a thought-provoking question: Is Chelsea’s approach to the 'bomb squad' a necessary evil, or a recipe for long-term discord?
Maresca has been unequivocal about the situation, stating, 'They are Chelsea players because they have a contract with the club, but they train apart. I haven’t seen them since the season started.' When asked if any could return, his response was blunt: 'With us? No.' Despite this, Chelsea has registered Disasi and Sterling in their Premier League squad, potentially utilizing them during the hectic festive period, which includes Champions League clashes with Barcelona and Atalanta, and a Carabao Cup quarter-final against Cardiff City.
And this is where it gets even more intriguing: While Disasi’s return to first-team training may seem like a reprieve, reports suggest Chelsea still plans to offload him in the January transfer window. Is this a temporary measure to bolster squad depth, or a final audition for potential suitors? As Chelsea prepares to face Burnley on November 22, fans are left wondering if Disasi will even make the matchday squad.
What do you think? Is Chelsea’s handling of the 'bomb squad' fair, or is it a risky strategy that could backfire? Let us know in the comments below!
