Chelsea reintegrate 'bomb squad' outcasts into training after failed summer transfers

Chelsea have reintegrated Carney Chukwuemeka and Cesare Casadei into first-team training after failing to secure exits for the duo during the summer transfer window.

The Blues separated a number of squad members from first-team training as they searched for potential buyers during the window. Having previously secured exits for the likes of Ian Maatsen, Hakim Ziyech, Omari Hutchinson and Lewis Hall alongside the departure of Thiago Silva, Chelsea still needed to facilitate outgoing transfers for a number of players.

Conor Gallagher, Tino Anjorin, Romelu Lukaku and Angelo Gabriel were all later sold, while loans were secured for Andrey Santos, Alfie Gilchrist, Lesley Ugochukwu, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Djorde Petrovic, Raheem Sterling, Armando Broja and Trevoh Chalobah.

However, there were stars who weren't able to leave Stamford Bridge before last week's deadline. The Athletic report Chukwuemeka and Casadei will now be reintegrated into the first-team squad, with both recently included on their 'A' list for the Conference League.

Chukwuemeka was reported to have a £40m release clause but Chelsea had to bat away loan offers for the former Aston Villa attacker, with no permanent proposals being made.

Midfielder Casadei spent the first half of last season on loan at Leicester City but was brought back in January to boost numbers in Mauricio Pochettino's squad.

It now remains to be seen how much either will feature under Enzo Maresca this year. Their best opportunities could come in the Conference League, with a few players left out of their squad in Europe in the interests of squad management.

Cole Palmer is Chelsea's de facto number 10 which limits Chukwuemeka's opportunities in the Premier League, while Casadei is up against the likes of Enzo Fernandez, Romeo Lavia, Moises Caicedo and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall for regular minutes.

READ THE LATEST CHELSEA NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP