Chelsea’s Sterling and Disasi Set to Stay Out with ‘Bomb Squad’ as Injuries Persist

Chelsea Squad Update: Sterling, Disasi Remain Amid Injury Concerns

London, United Kingdom – September 12, 2025 – Chelsea football Club faces a complex situation regarding player availability as they prepare for their upcoming match against Brentford.Recent developments reveal both transfer preferences and injury setbacks impacting Manager Maresca’s team selection.

Sterling’s Transfer Stance Revealed

Raheem sterling, aged 30, reportedly expressed a strong desire to remain in London this summer, despite interest from prestigious Champions League clubs such as Juventus and Bayer Leverkusen.Sources indicate that the England International’s preference stemmed from his wish to stay close to his family. His previous loan spell at Arsenal did not translate into a permanent move, wiht The Gunners opting not to pursue a full transfer.

financial considerations also played a role,as Sterling’s considerable weekly wage of £325,000 potentially deterred potential suitors,including fulham,crystal Palace,and West Ham United,despite Chelsea’s encouragement for a move.

Disasi’s Unfulfilled Return

Defender malang Disasi,27,was also subject to transfer interest during the summer window. Several clubs,including Sunderland,Bournemouth,and west Ham,expressed their interest in acquiring the player. However, Disasi reportedly prioritized a return to his former club, Monaco, a move that ultimately failed to materialize. He recently affirmed his fitness and readiness to contribute to the team if called upon,in a recent interview with YouTube channel Carre.

Squad Registration and Injury List

Despite the transfer speculation, Sterling, Disasi, and Striker david Datro Fofana have all been officially registered in Chelsea’s Premier League squad. Manager maresca has confirmed that Romeo Lavia and Benoit Badiashile are currently sidelined due to injury. They join a list of long-term absentees including Liam Delap, Levi Colwill, and Dario Essugo.

Palmer’s Fitness Questionable

Adding to the team’s concerns, England Forward Cole Palmer is a doubt for the match against Brentford, currently nursing a groin injury. His absence would be a significant blow to chelsea’s attacking options.

Player	Status	Reason
Raheem Sterling	Available	Registered in Premier League Squad
Malang Disasi	Available	Registered in premier League Squad
David Datro Fofana	Available	Registered in Premier League Squad
Romeo Lavia	Sidelined	Injury
Benoit Badiashile	Sidelined	Injury
Liam Delap	Sidelined	Long-Term Injury
Levi Colwill	Sidelined	Long-Term Injury
Dario Essugo	Sidelined	Long-Term Injury
Cole Palmer	Doubtful	Groin Injury

Did You Know? The average weekly wage for a Premier League player exceeds £60,000, highlighting the financial complexities involved in player transfers.

Pro Tip: Stay updated on team news and injury reports through official club channels for the most accurate facts.

What impact will Palmer’s potential absence have on Chelsea’s attack? Do you think Sterling made the right decision by prioritizing a move within London?

The growing Trend of Player Transfer Preferences

In recent years, player agency in transfer decisions has significantly increased. Factors beyond financial gain, such as family considerations and personal preferences, are playing an increasingly crucial role. This trend reflects a broader shift in the power dynamic between clubs and players.

The financial landscape of the Premier League continues to evolve. According to Deloitte’s Annual Review of Football Finance (2024), Premier League clubs generated a record £6.74 billion in revenue during the 2022/23 season, allowing them to offer increasingly lucrative contracts to attract top talent.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chelsea’s Squad

• What is the current status of Raheem Sterling’s transfer situation? Raheem Sterling remains a chelsea player, having expressed a preference to stay in London despite interest from other European clubs.
• Why did Malang disasi not return to Monaco? Malang Disasi’s desired move back to Monaco ultimately collapsed, leaving him registered in Chelsea’s Premier League squad.
• Which Chelsea players are currently injured? Romeo Lavia, Benoit badiashile, Liam Delap, levi Colwill, and Dario Essugo are currently sidelined due to injury.
• Is Cole Palmer expected to play against Brentford? Cole Palmer is currently doubtful for the match against Brentford due to a groin injury.
• What factors influenced Sterling’s decision to remain in London? Raheem Sterling reportedly prioritized staying close to his family, influencing his decision to decline offers from clubs outside of London.

Share your thoughts on Chelsea’s squad situation in the comments below! Don’t forget to share this article with fellow chelsea fans.

What are the potential tactical implications of having key attacking players like Raheem Sterling and Christopher Nkunku unavailable for an extended period?

Current Injury Situation: A Deep Dive

Raheem Sterling and benoit Badiashile Disasi are facing extended periods on the sidelines, adding to Chelsea’s growing injury concerns. Reports indicate both players are unlikely to feature prominently in upcoming fixtures, effectively placing them within what’s being dubbed the ‘Bomb Squad’ – a group of players currently unavailable due to injury or facing a challenging path back to consistent first-team action. This situation impacts Chelsea’s squad depth and tactical options significantly, especially during a demanding Premier League season and ongoing Champions League commitments.

* Raheem sterling: Continues to struggle with a recurring hamstring issue. Initial assessments suggested a short-term problem, but setbacks have prolonged his absence. The winger’s pace and direct running are sorely missed in Chelsea’s attack.

* Benoit Badiashile Disasi: A thigh strain sustained during international duty is keeping the defender out of contention. Disasi’s aerial ability and defensive solidity are crucial to Chelsea’s backline.

The ‘Bomb Squad’: Who Else is Affected?

The term ‘Bomb Squad’ isn’t official Chelsea terminology,but it’s gaining traction amongst fans and media to describe players currently unavailable. Beyond Sterling and Disasi,several othre key players are facing injury challenges:

1. Reece James: A persistent knee injury continues to plague the captain,limiting his playing time. His absence is a major blow to Chelsea’s defensive and attacking capabilities.
2. Christopher Nkunku: Still working his way back from a pre-season knee injury. The French international’s creativity and goal-scoring threat are eagerly anticipated.
3. Wesley Fofana: Another long-term absentee with a serious knee injury. Fofana’s recovery is expected to take several months.
4. Romeo Lavia: A recent ankle injury has added to the midfield woes.

Impact on Chelsea’s Tactical Adaptability

These injuries severely restrict Mauricio Pochettino’s tactical options. chelsea’s summer transfer activity brought in several new faces, but their integration has been hampered by the constant disruption caused by injuries.

* Wing Play: Sterling’s absence forces Pochettino to rely on alternatives like Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke, who offer different strengths and weaknesses.

* Defensive Stability: Disasi’s injury puts pressure on Thiago Silva, Axel Disasi, and Levi Colwill to maintain defensive solidity.

* midfield Balance: Lavia’s injury further complicates the midfield situation, perhaps requiring Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo to shoulder a heavier workload.

Potential Solutions & Pochettino’s Response

Pochettino has been vocal about the need for patience as players recover. He’s also emphasized the importance of squad rotation to manage fatigue and prevent further injuries.

* Youth Integration: opportunities may arise for academy players to gain valuable first-team experience.

* Tactical Adjustments: Pochettino might explore option formations to compensate for the missing personnel.A shift to a more conservative approach could be considered.

* January Transfer Window: Depending on the severity and duration of the injuries, Chelsea might consider strengthening key positions during the january transfer window. Potential targets could include experienced defenders and dynamic midfielders.

Past Context: Chelsea’s Injury Record

Chelsea has unfortunately become accustomed to dealing with significant injury lists in recent seasons.The 2022/23 campaign was especially challenging, with numerous key players sidelined for extended periods. This pattern raises questions about the club’s training methods, injury prevention strategies, and the overall physical demands placed on the squad. Analyzing past injury data could help identify potential risk factors and implement preventative measures.

Player Recovery Timelines (as of September 12, 2025)

Player	Injury	Estimated Return
raheem Sterling	Hamstring	Late October
Benoit Disasi	Thigh	Mid-November
Reece James	Knee	December
Christopher Nkunku	Knee	November
Wesley Fofana	Knee	February 2026
Romeo Lavia	Ankle	October

(Note: These are estimated return dates and are subject to change based on the player’s recovery progress.)

Fan reaction & social Media Buzz

The news of Sterling and Disasi’s continued absence has sparked frustration amongst Chelsea fans on social media. Many are expressing concerns about the team’s ability to compete consistently without key players.Hashtags like #CFC, #ChelseaFC, #premierleagueinjuries, and #ChelseaInjuries are trending, reflecting the widespread discussion surrounding the club’s injury crisis.