Raheem Sterling seeks ‘clarity’ over his role in Chelsea have been left out of Enzo Maresca’s squad for their Premier League opener against Manchester City this afternoon.
The 29-year-old forward had hoped to be selected for the Stamford Bridge clash – after scoring home and away against City last season – but was one of many absentees as Chelsea unveiled a 20-man squad to face Pep Guardiola’s champions.
The likes of Conor Gallagher, Romelu Lukaku, Armando Broja and Ben Chilwell will also miss the match, with all four players rumored to be on their way out of Chelsea before the transfer deadline.
Sterling completed a £47.5million move to west London in 2022, but has struggled to match that price in two poor campaigns with the Blues.
In his debut season, Sterling scored just nine goals in 38 games and the forward could only go one better in his final season as the club finished trophyless under Mauricio Pochettino.
Maresca has labeled Sterling an ‘important player’ in pre-season and there is a feeling that the England international could turn his stuttering career around under the new head coach.
But Sterling’s shock absence has left his future in doubt and the striker wants clarification on his place in the squad.
“Raheem Sterling is under contract to Chelsea Football Club for the next three years,” Sterling’s camp said. Sports Mail.
‘He returned to England two weeks early for individual training, and had a positive pre-season under the new coach, with whom he has established a good working relationship.
“He is committed, as always, to delivering at the highest level for Chelsea FC and the fans, which he respects, and given in the club’s official pre-match material this week, we expect Raheem to be involved in this weekend’s matches in some capacity. .
“As a camp, we have always had a positive dialogue with, and assurances from, Chelsea FC about Raheem’s future at the club, so we hope to get some clarity on the situation.
‘Until then, we will continue to support Raheem’s desire to start the new season on a positive note.’
In a pre-match interview with Sky Sports, Maresca said it was only a ‘technical decision’ to leave Sterling and Chilwell out of the squad to face City.
‘It happened many times. The manager is there, he has to make some decisions,” said the Italian.
‘Sometimes people don’t like (decisions), players don’t like it. That’s normal.
‘But it’s just a technical decision and nothing more than that. We’ll see the next day.’
Sterling, who was not included in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad, is under contract at Chelsea until 2027.
Speaking earlier in the week, Sterling said he hoped Maresca would get the best out of him and there were ‘good times ahead’ after two disappointing seasons in west London.
‘Maresca can get the best from me, the best from the team. They’ve signed in and given their stamp of authority, just like they’re supposed to,” Sterling said.
‘Yes, some of the results are disappointing but, with the ball, the right information will be passed on. You can see a pattern coming through.
‘It’s early days so you can see where you want to go. It’s a learning process for the whole group and one we’re catching on to quickly.
‘The Premier League is coming up quickly so I think there will be a good time.’
For more stories like this, check out our sports page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
MORE: What the referee said to Eberechi Eze after ‘monumental error’ saw wonder goal against Brentford disallowed
MORE: Chelsea trio out of matchday squad to face Manchester City amid transfer speculation
MORE: Thomas Frank explains why Ivan Toney will miss Brentford’s clash with Crystal Palace
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and Google’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
