Ex-Chelsea defender Glen Johnson believes that Ben Chilwell and Axel Disasi could leave Stamford Bridge before the January transfer window closes.

Chilwell has effectively been frozen out by head coach Enzo Maresca, while Disasi has played mostly in the Conference League and, speaking to sports betting site BetVictor, Johnson said their departures look likely:

“Chelsea have signed a lot of players and some of those have really come through which is great. On the other hand, they have such a big squad and some players are going to want to leave.”

“There’s been some speculation around Ben Chilwell leaving and I could see that happening – not because he’s not good enough but because he’s not going to be happy with his lack of minutes. Another one I could potentially see leaving is Axel Disasi. I don’t think he’s hit the levels that people were expecting.”

“Those are the two who I could see leaving, but it wouldn’t be because of their ability, it’s down to a lack of game time. They’re both good enough to stay, but what’s the point if you can get minutes elsewhere?”

Why has Chilwell been frozen out?

The Chelsea defender arrived from Leicester for £50m in the summer of 2020 and played an important role as the Blues won the Champions League in his first season at the club.

However, Chilwell’s time in London has been blighted by injury. Other players, such as Marc Cucurella and Renato Veiga, were subsequently brought in to strengthen the left-hand side of defence.

Maresca, meanwhile, publicly stated that Chilwell does not fit his style of play and the Italian has only used him in one match this season – in the Carabao Cup tie against Barrow back in September. A move to West Ham has been mooted in recent days.

Disasi could be sold by Chelsea to make room for another player

The Frenchman was signed from Monaco for £39m at the start of last season and, while he did feature prominently under head coach Mauricio Pochettino, things have been different under Maresca this campaign.

As already mentioned, Disasi’s game time has been restricted to European games and cup competitions. With the defender not being a key player, he has been tipped to leave this month as the Blues look to fund a move for a new centre-back.

Find out who is in Chelsea’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here