Axel Disasi is being gradually integrated into Chelsea first-team training and a return to match action for the Blues this season has not been ruled out.
The French centre-back has been a part of the Chelsea ‘bomb squad’ training separately with Raheem Sterling but was pictured in first-team training on Thursday.
Standard Sport understands the club are considering whether to reward the transfer-listed defender for his professional attitude with minutes in cup competitions this season.
The 27-year-old is not in Chelsea’s Premier League or Champions League squads.
He made a rare appearance for the Chelsea Under-21s when he captained them to a 4-1 win over Reading in the Premier League 2 last Saturday.
Chelsea have been assessing possible avenues to move Disasi and Sterling on in January. Head coach Enzo Maresca made it clear at the beginning of the season that neither was in his plans.
Disasi’s gradual integration into more Chelsea first-team training sessions is in part to help keep his fitness levels up in case of a January exit, which the club are still hoping to sort.
It is also a reward for the way he has conducted himself around Cobham and shown leadership by helping academy players.
Speaking in September, Maresca was adamant that those exiled to the bomb squad would not be reintegrated.
Asked whether there was a way back into the fold for Disasi or Sterling, he was firm: “No.
“First of all, they are Chelsea players and have contracts with the club, but at this moment they are still training apart.
“Since the start of the season, I haven't seen them.”
