With the January transfer window slamming shut in just a matter of days, Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior has dropped a clear hint that the club is ready to be ruthless with two players who have fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge.
After mutually terminating Raheem Sterling’s contract earlier this week, attention has now turned to Axel Disasi and Tyrique George – the duo who appear most vulnerable to a late exit.
Disasi, the 27-year-old French centre-back, has not played a single competitive minute this season and only recently returned to first-team training. Despite his positive attitude, Rosenior admitted the club is actively exploring “solutions” for the defender.
“I don’t like the term bomb squad. I don’t like it,” Rosenior told reporters on Friday. “They’re players; they’re human beings.
“He’s been very, very good in training with us. I think every player wants the opportunity to go and play football. If anything comes up for Axel that’s interesting for him and his career, then we’ll look at it.”
When pressed on whether a deal was close, the Chelsea boss was blunt: “No, not at the moment.”
! Axel Disasi during a recent training session (IMAGO / Sportimage)
The situation is similarly uncertain for young winger Tyrique George. The academy product has not featured under Rosenior and last appeared in the Carabao Cup defeat to Cardiff City in December.
In contrast, Rosenior was unequivocal about two other youngsters linked with temporary moves: Marc Guiu and Josh Acheampong will stay.
“At the moment, Liam [Delap] and Joao [Pedro] are playing really, really well, but we need to cover that area of the pitch, and Marc was fantastic for me against Arsenal,” he said.
“Tyrique, unfortunately for him, hasn’t had many minutes. So that’s a different individual situation for him.
“Josh is an outstanding player. I want Josh with me.”
! Tyrique George in action earlier this season (IMAGO / sportphoto24)
With the deadline fast approaching, Chelsea’s hierarchy – known for their cold-blooded approach to squad management under BlueCo ownership – seem prepared to sanction late departures if suitable offers arrive.
For Disasi and George, the next 48 hours could decide whether they remain in west London or start afresh elsewhere. One thing is clear: at Chelsea, no one is untouchable.