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Raheem Sterling has been omitted from Chelsea’s squad for their upcoming Europa Conference League play-off first leg against Swiss side Servette. This marks the second consecutive match that the 29-year-old England forward has been left out, following his absence from Chelsea’s Premier League opener against Manchester City.
The decision to exclude Raheem Sterling from the matchday squad has fueled speculation about his future at the club. His representatives released a statement prior to Chelsea’s defeat by City, seeking “clarity” regarding his role within the team. This development comes at a time when Chelsea’s roster has ballooned to over 40 senior players, following a summer spending spree of around £185 million on 11 new signings.
Chelsea’s manager, Enzo Maresca, addressed the situation after the City game, expressing his desire to keep Sterling at the club but admitting the challenge of accommodating all players in matchday squads. “There is not enough space,” Maresca conceded, highlighting the difficult choices he faces with such a crowded squad.
Sterling’s absence from the squad also includes several other notable omissions, such as defenders Ben Chilwell, Wesley Fofana, and Tosin Adarabioyo. These players were not included on Chelsea’s A-list submitted to UEFA for Thursday’s match at Stamford Bridge, with the return leg in Switzerland scheduled for August 29.
Despite the current uncertainty, should Chelsea progress in the tournament, there remains a possibility that Sterling could be named in the squad for the Conference League group stage.
Sterling, who joined Chelsea from Manchester City for £50 million in July 2022, has made 81 appearances for the club. As speculation continues to mount, fans and pundits alike are eager to see how Sterling’s situation unfolds in the coming weeks, and whether he will remain a key figure at Stamford Bridge or seek opportunities elsewhere.
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