Chelsea are hoping to play a role in the Premier League title race this season and have shown so far in 2025-26 that they can compete with anyone domestically.

A recent 2-1 victory over Liverpool was a statement win for Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea, who look a lot stronger this season than they did in 2024-25.

Chelsea signed Joao Pedro and a host of other attacking players over the summer; however, issues at the other end of the pitch have created a headache for the Blues.

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The West London side face something of a defensive crisis due to injury, but one expensive outcast is not being considered for a return to Premier League action by Maresca.

Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Chelsea signed Axel Disasi for £38.5 million in the summer of 2023, splashing the cash to land the five-times capped France international from Monaco.

The 27-year-old’s physicality and versatility were initially an asset for the Blues, with the defender making 31 appearances in his first season at the London club.

However, the centre-back has found himself frozen out since Maresca arrived at Stamford Bridge, with Disasi admitting he wants to leave...