New Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenoir is set to discuss with the fringe players regarding their future at Stamford Bridge. The likes of Raheem Sterling and Axel Diesel haven't played much this season and have been transfer-listed by the club.
Diesel, 27, hasn't appeared for the senior team this campaign, making two appearances for the U21 team in the Premier League International Cup. The same goes for Sterling, who spent last season on loan at Stamford and is also part of the club's infamous 'bomb squad'.
"I will have conversations with them," said Rosenoir about Diesel and Sterling (as per Tribal Football). "We're in January, as you know. Raheem's had an outstanding career. I've got huge respect for him. Axel is someone I've really, really liked as a player for a long time.
"Honestly, I have to have a conversation with them. I have to have a conversation with the club. I'm being genuinely honest. I literally have got to work through a list of priorities. I will do in the next few days."
The new Blues head coach added that he spoke with the management to identify the key players and hinted at giving chances to others to stake their claims for regular berths:
"The first conversation I had with the guys (Chelsea management) was I want to assess the most important players, which are the ones who are here. Normally you get good surprises if you give people a chance.
"I had some really, really good surprises in the game against Charlton. Yes, we're in January, and yes, we want the club to be as successful as possible in the short term. But I also think sometimes the answers lie within the building and not outside. So I'll make a decision on that with the guys. Probably later in the week when I've seen everyone."
Rosenoir's side are coming off a 5-1 win at Charlton Athletic in their FA Cup opener last weekend.
What's next for Chelsea?
Chelsea head cocah Liam Rosenoir
Chelsea head cocah Liam Rosenoir
Kickstarting his Chelsea stint with a FA Cup win at Charlton, Liam Rosenoir will hope to continue his winning run when the Blues host Premier League leaders Arsenal in the EFL Cup semi-final first leg on Wednesday (January 14).
The Blues, though, are on an eight-game winless run across competitions against the Gunners, losing four. Their last meeting was a 1-1 Premier League draw at Stamford Bridge in November.
In fact, Rosenoir's side have won just once in their last 13 matchups with the Gunners, losing eight, with that win coming in the Premier League away in August 2021.