Enzo Maresca has welcomed Axel Disasi back to the Chelsea first team after the defender’s exile.
Disasi is training with Chelsea’s senior players — the ones not currently on international duty — so it looks as though the 27-year-old could be in line to receive some first-team minutes very soon.
Disasi recently played for the Chelsea Under-21s, but he has now been reintegrated into the main group at Cobham.
It means that the Frenchman could get the chance to play in the Blues’ next Premier League game against Burnley. If Maresca is considering him as a genuine option for that match, there is something that he cannot forget, or rather a previous fixture in particular.
Axel Disasi shouldn’t play at right-back
The last time Disasi started a Premier League game for Chelsea was in December 2024, a 2-0 defeat to Ipswich Town.
Disasi had a very difficult night at Portman Road, partly because of how Maresca used him.
The Italian started the central defender at right-back, and he could just not cope there, at least defensively. He made one mistake that led to a goal and was dribbled past twice.
Axel Disasi vs Ipswich Town Total
Minutes 77
Tackles (won) 2 (0)
Interceptions 0
Blocked shots 0
Dribbled past 2
Errors leading to goal 1
Via Sofascore
Simply put, Disasi should not be playing at right-back for Chelsea, nor is there a reason for him to.
Maresca has Reece James and Malo Gusto at his disposal, while Josh Acheampong can also play there. Right now, James and Gusto are easily two of the best full-backs in England.
In Maresca’s eyes, Gusto is now a “main” player at Stamford Bridge. While the 22-year-old and James continue to fight it out for the right-back spot, Disasi should be competing for a place in central defence.
Axel Disasi during Ipswich Town vs Chelsea
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Axel Disasi deserves first-team return
Chances are Disasi will not get too many opportunities in the Chelsea first team and will still depart the club in January.
Galatasaray are thought to be keen on Disasi, while the France international has also been linked with a move to Borussia Dortmund, who are currently being managed by his former AS Monaco boss Niko Kovac.
Nevertheless, it is great to hear that the player is being allowed to train with the first team again. Disasi has not done anything to warrant his recent treatment at Chelsea and could be a decent centre-half option until January, especially with the injuries the Blues have been picking up in that position.