PFA & Chelsea in talks over Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi remedy

The Professional Footballers’ Association is in talks with Chelsea over the handling of squad outcasts Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi.

As things stand, the players are training away from the club’s first-team set-up after head coach Enzo Maresca made it clear they are not part of his plans.

It is understood that players’ union the PFA has intervened over the treatment of England forward Sterling and France defender Disasi.

Sterling, 30, has just under two years left on his deal at Chelsea, which is worth about £325,000-per-week, while 27-year-old Disasi’s contract expires in 2029.

Having spent time on loan away from Chelsea last season, both players were expected to leave Stamford Bridge during the summer transfer window.

However, both stayed at the Premier League side and it is unlikely that either will have any first-team involvement before January, when the transfer window re-opens.

The PFA wants to ensure that Sterling and Disasi have the platform to train to an optimum level despite not being involved with the senior team.

World football’s governing body Fifa has strict regulations over players who are isolated from squads in circumstances that could constitute ‘abusive conduct’ by the club, which may entitle an individual to terminate his contract citing ‘just cause’.

It is understood the PFA has sought to ensure clubs are aware of Fifa’s regulations.

Chelsea and the PFA have been approached for comment.

Sterling and Disasi have been assigned specific training times and designated a coach to work with them at the club’s Surrey base.

According to sources, Chelsea – who are working closely with the PFA – presented Sterling with potential moves to Bayern Munich and Napoli over the summer – while Bayer Leverkusen and Galatasaray were also interested, though the attacker stayed.

It is understood Sterling was keen to stay in the south of England so to not uproot his family, while his son is enrolled in Arsenal’s academy.