You have to feel for Chelsea's latest outcast, Malang Sarr, who's currently persona non grata and with the Under-21s. If truth is to be told, he is probably the only senior Blues player to actually be properly exiled from CFC affairs. Meanwhile, the defender's career remains in complete abeyance because his parent club reportedly refused to sanction a January transfer.
Even if that decision was made for the good of the west London outfit in general, maybe athletes could be dealt with - for want of a much better phrase - more delicately with sport in mind. Sarr himself is said to be 'very low' by an acquaintance. People are purportedly worried about the 25-year-old, whose move to Le Havre collapsed on deadline day last month.
However, there is another side to this story, if rumours from so-called sources are to be believed. Apparently Sarr made it clear that he did not wish to be selected by Chels' manager Pochettino. Not that the Argentine considered the Frenchman a viable option at the time, if stories are accurate.
The latter was omitted from the preseason tour of the United States, so the reported situation is likely true. Oh, and 'Poch' didn't even know who Sarr was when journalists first asked of the contemporary Blues roster.
After around four campaigns at Chelsea Football Club and no appearance in approximately two years, this player deserves overdue closure and a fresh opportunity in the summer. It's obviously best for all concerned. He hasn't featured in a professional game for a year, for crying out loud.