BURNT BRIDGES?
Raheem Sterling’s Chelsea future in doubt with star ‘seeking clarity’ after being AXED from squad for Man City game
Sterling has been linked with a move to a European powerhouse
RAHEEM STERLING'S Chelsea future is in doubt after he was axed from the squad against Manchester City.
The winger was part of Enzo Maresca's plans in pre-season and his representatives have stated he remains committed to the club despite being omitted from the matchday squad for Chelsea's season opener.
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But his future is now up in the air after he was axed, with Cole Palmer, Christopher Nkunku, Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke and new signing Pedro Neto selected in the squad ahead of him.
Sterling, who joined for £47million from City in 2022, and his team are now seeking reassurances from the club with regard to his future and want clarity about his role in the squad.
A statement: “Raheem Sterling is contracted to Chelsea Football Club 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.”
Sterling, 29, is reportedly a transfer target for Juventus and if he leaves Chelsea could sign Joao Felix, who previously had a loan spell at Stamford Bridge in 2023.
But Sterling, who still has three years remaining on his £300,000-a-week contract, could return to Chelsea's matchday squad after featuring in pre-season for the Blues.
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Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, who previously labelled Sterling an "important player", revealed his axing was just a "technical decision".
He said: “It’s just a technical decision, nothing else to say.
Harry Redknapp runs rule over new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca ahead of new Premier League season
“Managers are paid to make decisions and sometimes players don’t like it.”
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