Chelsea's Sterling and Disasi Train Apart as PFA Reviews Situation

Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi remain excluded from Chelsea’s first‑team and are training apart from the squad after failing to secure moves during the summer transfer window, the club and their head coach said, even as the pair were included on Chelsea’s official Premier League squad list for the 2025-26 season. The situation has prompted intervention from the Professional Footballers Association amid concerns about the players’ treatment and the legal implications of isolating contracted professionals.

Head coach Enzo Maresca has been explicit that Sterling and Disasi are not part of his immediate plans. Maresca told reporters last week that he has not seen the players since the season began and when pressed on whether either could be reintegrated replied, "No." The pair have trained separately at Chelsea’s Cobham complex, sometimes at different times and pitches from the first team, club sources said.

Despite Maresca’s comments, Chelsea included Sterling, Disasi and fellow exile David Datro Fofana on their registered Premier League squad list, a move that estate watchers say leaves open the formal possibility of a future return. Club officials declined to clarify whether the...