ENZO MARESCA PLANS TO BRING CHELSEA OUTCAST AXEL DISASI BACK INTO SQUAD ROTATION
Axel Disasi is set for a shock Chelsea recall after being exiled in the 'bomb squad.' The defender, who hasn't played since January, impressed coaches with his attitude and could be reintegrated into the squad.
Behind-the-scenes role of Axel Disasi pleases Maresca despite Chelsea rejection - Photo Credit: Getty Images
When Chelsea visits Burnley following the international break, manager Enzo Maresca will be hoping to see his team win all three points.
The Blues are now third in the Premier League standings, six points behind leaders Arsenal, after a comparatively solid start to the new season.
Levi Colwill, who is expected to miss the entire season, is one of several key players that Maresca has had to contend with injuries to this season.
Trevoh Chalobah and Malo Gusto have been suspended, and fellow defenders Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile have also lost time because of injuries.
In light of this, it has now come to light that Maresca intends to strengthen his defensive options by bringing a forgotten guy back into his squad.
The Mirror claims that centre-back Axel Disasi will receive a lifeline at Chelsea and be progressively put back into the starting lineup.
The Frenchman, who has not played for the Blues since January, was a member of the "bomb squad," which was made up of players who had been informed they would not be included in Maresca's squad.
Among the most well-known players to be part of the "bomb squad" were Disasi and winger Raheem Sterling, who have both been training away from the starting lineup this season.
After being informed that he was free to leave Stamford Bridge, the Frenchman was linked to several clubs during the summer, but no deal ever came to pass.
The former Monaco player played for Chelsea's Under-21 team in a 4-1 victory over Reading last week, and according to the source, the team is now aiming to reinstate the defender in the starting lineup.
According to reports, Disasi's demeanour and impact on younger players delighted the club's management, and as a result, the Frenchman might have earned another opportunity to start for SW6.
COLE PALMER PUSHES RECOVERY RACE TO FEATURE IN MASSIVE MATCH
Chelsea are hopeful Cole Palmer can return from his groin injury in time for the Champions League clash against Barcelona on November 25th. The club is managing his recovery day by day and does not want to rush the important attacker back.
Palmer Return Race On - Photo Credit: Getty Images
Cole Palmer is expected to be available for Chelsea's crucial Champions League matchup with Barcelona. The Blues are hoping Palmer can eventually return before the end of the month, despite his injury dating back to September.
On November 25, Enzo Maresca's team, which has performed admirably without Palmer, will host Hansi Flick's team at Stamford Bridge.
Palmer, a former Man City player, would also want to participate in such a historic matchup, the Mail claims. However, the source also asserts that Chelsea does not want to risk further harm by rushing the attacker's return since he is too crucial to their season as a whole.
Due to a recurring groin ailment that plagued him throughout the season's early exchanges, Palmer has missed Chelsea's last 11 games across all competitions. The England international has not returned to the field since hobbling off early in his team's September 20 loss to Manchester United.
Speaking last week before Chelsea's Champions League trip to Azerbaijan, Maresca expressed his optimism that Palmer would be healthy enough to play some against the Catalan powerhouses this month. "With Cole, we try to plan, we try to schedule, you know, before the beginning," he stated. "We hope so [he will be ready vs. Barca]." After that, we must review that.
"So, right now, Cole and I go day by day. He is not participating in any team sessions. Additionally, Benoit Badiashile is likely to be available following the international break, which is really exciting for us.
"To be really honest, I want Cole could be here tomorrow. Cole should arrive early, please. I have repeatedly stated that Cole makes us a stronger squad. He is injured and out of commission, which is unfortunate for us, but we really want him back soon."
Speaking to football.london about the injury's complexity, Maresca stated: "We need to safeguard Cole for sure, 100%." Not just Cole, in my opinion, since we never stop or because of the Club World Cup, as I spoke earlier.
"I am not sure what the answer is for Cole. We now meet with the medical team to determine the best course of action for him. However, there is also a type of injury that is not binary.
"It is not an injury that will go away one day. It is not like you are just playing and will vanish tomorrow. You can be worse at times and better at others. We must therefore manage day by day.
Palmer is crucial to Chelsea, but since his injury, Maresca's team has only lost twice, winning handily against Tottenham and Liverpool.
With just six points separating them and league leaders Arsenal, players like Pedro Neto, Alejandro Garnacho, and Joao Pedro have all played admirably in his absence, helping the Blues climb into third place and early title contention.
CHELSEA PLANS PRE-CONTRACT OFFER FOR MIKE MAIGNAN
Chelsea and Bayern Munich are targeting AC Milan's Mike Maignan. The world-class goalkeeper is stalling on a new contract, potentially allowing a free transfer in 2026 as both clubs seek a long-term #1.
Blues Preparing January Pre-Contract For Mike Maignan - Photo Credit: Getty Images
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Chelsea and Bayern Munich are reportedly planning offers to recruit AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
As the French international nears the end of his contract at the San Siro, both European powerhouses are reportedly keeping a careful eye on his condition.
Many people consider Maignan, who is currently 30 years old, to be among the top goalkeepers in football.
He is a vital member of the team and the nation because of his poise, quick thinking, and leadership in between positions.
The Chelsea target refuses to sign a new contract with AC Milan.
But Milan will have to fight hard to maintain their number one spot. Negotiations to extend the Frenchman's contract, which is set to expire in June 2026, have apparently halted.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan's sporting direction and pay demands have proven to be major roadblocks in Maignan's unwillingness to commit to a new contract.
Bayern Munich and Chelsea are also patiently awaiting the outcome.
Maignan will have the option to negotiate a pre-contract agreement as early as January 2026 if he declines to extend, opening the door for a potentially historic free move the following summer.
Chelsea's pursuit of Maignan coincides with ongoing concern surrounding the team's goalkeeping staff.
Due to Robert Sanchez's inconsistent play, manager Enzo Maresca is looking for a more seasoned and dominant goalkeeper.
Maignan is the ideal choice to provide stability to a team that is still changing because of his demonstrated success in the Champions League and Serie A.
Bayern Munich are standing in Chelsea's way of signing Maignan.
Meanwhile, Maignan is seen by Bayern Munich as the perfect replacement for Manuel Neuer, whose illustrious tenure in Bavaria is coming to an end.
According to sources, Bayern's scouts have written excellent evaluations of Maignan, noting that he possesses the same distribution, communication, and defensive line organisation skills as Neuer did in his prime.
Maignan's profile on the global scene has also increased as a result of his exploits for France under Didier Deschamps.
It is unlikely that AC Milan will be able to retain him. Due to the club's financial situation, it is challenging to match the salaries offered by Europe's top teams; Chelsea and Bayern are both willing to provide contracts that are significantly more profitable than Milan's.