Liam Rosenior Opens Up on Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi Future After Key Chelsea Talks

Liam Rosenior stepped into the media spotlight on Tuesday afternoon knowing the attention would not only be on Chelsea’s Champions League return, but also on two high-profile players whose futures at Stamford Bridge remain uncertain.

The Chelsea head coach was speaking ahead of his first-ever match in Europe’s elite competition, with the Blues set to host David Luiz’s Pafos on Wednesday night. While the focus should have been firmly on team news and tactics, questions quickly turned to Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi – two players frozen out of the matchday squad and strongly linked with moves away before the January window closes.

Disasi back in training after talks

Axel Disasi’s situation has been one of the quieter but more intriguing stories of Chelsea’s season. Signed for £39 million, the French defender has found himself on the outside looking in, with injuries, form issues and competition all working against him.

Earlier this week, Disasi was spotted back in Chelsea training, which immediately raised questions about whether his exile was coming to an end. Rosenior confirmed that the defender has rejoined the group following positive and honest discussions about his future.

“My decision on Axel; I had a really good meeting with him a couple of days ago,” Rosenior explained. “It was only right for me to chat with him. He’s behind in terms of his fitness, his match fitness, and we’ll work with him.”

Those words suggest that while Disasi is not yet ready to play, the door has not been closed on his Chelsea career. This is significant, especially with Wesley Fofana still recovering from injury and both Benoit Badiashile and Trevoh Chalobah struggling to find consistent form.

Disasi has attracted interest this January, with reports linking him to AC Milan and Roma. However, Rosenior’s comments hint that Chelsea may prefer to keep him, at least until the summer, rather than rushing into a sale.

Sterling talks ongoing as exit looms

Raheem Sterling’s case feels very different. The experienced winger has not played a single minute of football for Chelsea this season, a remarkable situation given his pedigree and past achievements in the Premier League.

Rosenior did not hide the fact that conversations are ongoing regarding Sterling’s future. Asked directly about the England international, the Chelsea boss admitted that clarity should arrive soon.

“We’re in conversations with Raheem at the moment about different things going on in his career,” Rosenior said. “Hopefully that will be clearer in the next couple of days.”

Those words strongly suggest that an exit is being discussed behind the scenes. Sterling has no shortage of admirers, particularly in Serie A. Napoli boss Antonio Conte is reportedly keen to reunite with the winger, while clubs like West Ham and Fulham have also been mentioned as possible destinations.

The main obstacle appears to be wages. Sterling remains one of the club’s highest earners, and any move would likely require compromise from all sides. Chelsea may have to accept a reduced fee or even consider letting him leave for free, while Sterling may need to lower his salary demands to secure regular football.

A defining moment for Rosenior

For Rosenior, these decisions are about more than just individual players. They reflect the wider rebuild taking place at Chelsea, where discipline, squad balance and long-term planning are being prioritised.

By bringing Disasi back into training, Rosenior has shown a willingness to reset relationships and give players a chance to fight for their place. With Sterling, the tone is more final, suggesting that both club and player understand that a fresh start elsewhere may be best.

All of this comes as Rosenior prepares for a landmark moment in his career. Managing in the Champions League is a significant step, and while Pafos may not be the toughest opponent Chelsea will face, the night still carries weight.

A strong performance would help steady the mood around the club, but the bigger story may continue to unfold off the pitch. With the January window nearing its end, the futures of Sterling and Disasi are likely to be resolved soon.