In a surprising twist at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has reinstated defender Axel Disasi into first-team activities, months after banishing the Frenchman to what has been described as the club’s dreaded “bomb squad.”

According to Sky Sports, Disasi is now set to resume full first-team training, marking a dramatic U-turn from a manager who had previously insisted the centre-back was not part of his plans.

Disasi, 27, was frozen out after refusing to leave Chelsea during the summer transfer window, despite strong interest from other clubs. The aftermath was severe:
he was reportedly denied access to first-team facilities — including the team kitchen and toilets — and completely barred from training with the senior squad.

Yet, despite what many would consider humiliating treatment, the former Monaco defender maintained hope that Maresca would eventually soften his position.
And now, it appears that belief has paid off.

The £38 million signing, who joined Chelsea in 2023, has spent recent weeks captaining the club’s U21 team, earning praise for his professionalism and attitude even in isolation. His reintegration signals that Chelsea may be bracing for defensive depth or considering squad harmony ahead of a congested fixture schedule.

However, Sky Sports adds that Disasi is still expected to leave Chelsea in the January transfer window, with the reinstatement likely more about maintaining his fitness and market value than reviving his long-term future at the club.

Opinion: A Lesson in Professionalism — and a Warning to Chelsea

Disasi’s situation highlights the increasingly common — and controversial — practice of isolating players who refuse transfers.
While clubs argue it’s strategic, many fans and analysts see it as emotionally damaging and counterproductive.

What makes Disasi’s case stand out is his response:
he stayed disciplined, trained hard, captained the U21s, and never publicly lashed out.
In a football world where frustrations often spill onto social media, his composure is commendable.

But Chelsea’s handling of the situation raises bigger questions:

Was the punishment excessive?

Exiling a player from basic facilities borders on unprofessional club management. It may win short-term battles but creates long-term distrust among players and agents.

Is Maresca reconsidering his rigidity—or simply protecting Chelsea’s asset?

Reintegrating Disasi just months before the January window suggests the latter. No club wants a devalued £38m defender sitting idle.

The moral of the story?

Football is as much about management as it is about tactics. How you treat players — especially during conflict — sends a message to the entire dressing room.

Disasi may leave in January, but his quiet resilience has won him respect.
Chelsea, on the other hand, must show they can manage big squads without creating unnecessary drama.