Chelsea defender Axel Disasi is set for a remarkable return to first-team contention after months in the wilderness at Stamford Bridge.
The French centre-back, who cost the Blues £38.5 million when joining from Monaco in summer 2023, had been completely frozen out under new manager Enzo Maresca and wasn't included in Chelsea's 25-man Premier League squad.
From exile to reintegration
According to Sky Sports, Disasi's professional attitude during his exile has impressed club officials, leading to his recent reintegration with the senior squad.
The 27-year-old made a rare appearance for Chelsea's Under-21s earlier this month, captaining the side to a 4-1 victory against Reading in Premier League 2. He started at centre-back as one of the permitted overage players in the match that also featured cameo appearances from other forgotten men like Brazilian striker Deivid Washington.
Cup competitions provide opportunity
While Disasi remains ineligible for Premier League action until at least January, his potential return to competitive football could come in December when Chelsea face Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup quarter-final.
The defender's reintegration comes at a crucial time for Chelsea, who are dealing with significant injury problems in defence. Levi Colwill is expected to miss the entire season after undergoing ACL surgery, while fellow centre-back Benoit Badiashile has been ruled out until December with a muscle problem.
Versatility could prove crucial
Disasi's ability to play at right-back could become particularly valuable given Chelsea's midfield injury concerns. With Romeo Lavia joining the growing treatment room list, Reece James might be deployed in midfield, creating potential opportunities for Disasi to fill defensive gaps.
The Frenchman spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa but failed to secure a permanent move away from Stamford Bridge during the summer transfer window.
Chelsea return to action on November 22 against Burnley in the Premier League, followed by crucial Champions League and Premier League fixtures against Barcelona and league leaders Arsenal.
