Enzo Maresca will now leave one player out of Chelsea squad vs Bournemouth as January exit nears – it’s not Renato Veiga

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Chelsea return to Premier League action on Tuesday night when they host Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues are without a win in their last four games in the Premier League, dropping down to fourth in the division table as a result.

Chelsea’s pre-match news for Bournemouth is positive because Noni Madueke is available again after missing the weekend’s 5-0 FA Cup win over Morecambe through illness.

In the reverse fixture against Bournemouth earlier in the season, Enzo Maresca watched his side record a 1-0 victory because of Christopher Nkunku’s late winning goal.

• READ MORE: Chelsea predicted XI vs Bournemouth as Enzo Maresca changes one player’s position and rewards ‘incredible’ ace

Axel Disasi to be omitted from Chelsea squad vs Bournemouth

Respected journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed via X that Chelsea defender Axel Disasi, 26, is expected to be left out of the matchday squad for tonight’s game versus Bournemouth.

It is explained that the French centre-back is available to leave in the current January transfer window. In fact, there’s clubs in ongoing discussions about a potential transfer.

Disasi has been pushing to leave Chelsea in January because he’s keen to go and play regular football elsewhere.

The central defender, who can also cover at right-back, has made 16 Blues appearances across all competitions so far this season. He’s only featured five times in the Premier League, though.

Juventus have abandoned the idea of signing Chelsea’s Disasi, but it sounds like there’s still plenty of other suitors for him.

It’s going to be interesting to see what the Blues XI and bench looks like this evening because Disasi isn’t the only individual linked with a potential mid-season exit. For example, Renato Veiga is pushing to leave Chelsea amid widespread speculation that Borussia Dortmund want to sign the 21-year-old defender.

Axel Disasi was right to worry

Back in the summer, Disasi was worried about his playing time at Chelsea. It’s fair to say that the Frenchman’s concerns were well warranted.

Even though Disasi’s played in 16 of Chelsea’s 31 games so far this season, he’s down the pecking order and heading for the exit doors.

The defender is a useful option in the Chelsea squad because of his experience, leadership and versatility, but he’s a long way off the team’s best XI right now.

The final nail in the coffin may have been that 18-year-old Josh Acheampong has jumped above him in the pecking order in recent weeks.