New Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior is set for crucial talks with Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi to determine whether the pair have a future at Stamford Bridge. The duo have been frozen out of the first team this season and were made available for transfer last summer, but a lack of buyers has left their situations unresolved.
High-Stakes Conversations Loom for Out-of-Favour Duo
Rosenior, who is only four days into the job after replacing Enzo Maresca, has prioritised preparations for Wednesday's Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Arsenal. Consequently, he has yet to fully address the futures of the experienced winger and the French defender. The 41-year-old coach confirmed he will speak to both players imminently.
"I've had so much on," Rosenior stated. "I've been in for three days. This is my fourth day in the job. I will have conversations with them. Raheem's had an outstanding career. I've got huge respect for him and Axel, who was someone I've really, really liked for a long time."
The financial aspect of Sterling's situation is a significant factor. The former England and Manchester City forward has 18 months remaining on a contract worth approximately £325,000 per week. While Chelsea's preference is to move players on this January, finding a club willing to match those terms has proven difficult. Fulham have shown interest, but a deal is complex.
Assessing the Squad Before Any January Moves
Rosenior emphasised his desire to evaluate the players already at the club before pushing for new signings. He was encouraged by the performance of his second-string side in last Saturday's 5-1 FA Cup victory over Charlton Athletic.
"The first conversation I had with the guys is that I want to assess the most important players, which is the guys that are here," he explained. "Normally you get good surprises if you give people a chance... I also think sometimes the answers lay within the building and not outside."
Axel Disasi, the centre-back signed from Monaco, has not played for almost a year and finds himself in a state of limbo. Rosenior did not completely shut the door on either player making a return to the squad, stating he must also consult with the club's hierarchy.
Immediate Focus on Arsenal Amid Palmer Concern
Chelsea's immediate focus is the cup clash with Arsenal, a side they held with ten men in a Premier League draw at Stamford Bridge in November. Rosenior will be without the suspended Moisés Caicedo, while star attacker Cole Palmer is an injury doubt after struggling with a groin strain.
Rosenior hailed Palmer's "world-class ability" but indicated he would manage the 23-year-old's workload carefully across a busy January schedule featuring six games. "It would be crazy for me to risk any player in this phase of the season," the coach added.
With the transfer window open, Chelsea are unlikely to be overly active but remain alert to opportunities. Any decisions on reinforcements will follow Rosenior's thorough assessment of his current squad and the outcomes of his pending talks with Sterling and Disasi.
