Sterling wants Chelsea 'clarity' after being DROPPED by Maresca

Cameron Smith

Updated: 18 Aug 2024 15:50 BST
3 min read

Raheem Sterling, Chelsea, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Raheem Sterling wants “clarity” on his future at Chelsea after being excluded from the Blues’ matchday squad to face Manchester City.

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Enzo Maresca has omitted the 29-year-old from his first Premier League squad as Chelsea boss, with Christopher Nkunku, Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson starting in attack for the Stamford Bridge outfit.

Meanwhile, Mykhailo Mudryk, Pedro Neto and Marc Guiu are the attackers on Chelsea’s substitutes bench against Man City.

Juventus have been linked with a summer move for Sterling, although Chelsea reportedly failed with a recent bid to swap the ex-England international for Federico Chiesa.

Sterling’s camp have released a statement to The Daily Mail that reads: “Raheem Sterling is contracted to Chelsea for the next three years.

“He returned to England two weeks early to conduct individual training, and has had a positive pre-season under the new coach, who he has developed a good working relationship with.

“He is committed, as ever, to delivering at the highest level for Chelsea FC and the fans, who he holds in high regard, and given his inclusion in official club pre-match material this week, our expectation was that Raheem would be involved in this weekend’s fixture in some capacity.

“As a camp, we have always had positive

dialogue with, and assurance from, Chelsea FC in relation to Raheem’s future at the club, so we look forward to gaining clarity on the situation.

“Until then, we will continue to support Raheem’s desire to start the new season positively.”

Chelsea’s summer departures

Chelsea currently have 42 first-team players on their books, as per the club’s website, and they are actively looking to offload multiple stars before the summer transfer window ends.

Trevoh Chalobah, Romelu Lukaku, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Casare Casadei are all expected to depart on permanent deals, while Maresca recently admitted that Chilwell should explore the potential of leaving the club.

Like Sterling, Chilwell was also omitted from Chelsea’s squad for their opening match of the Premier League season.