BURNT THE BRIDGE
Raheem Sterling axed AGAIN by Chelsea after missing Premier League opener and asking for ‘clarity’ over his future
But one Chelsea star has made a surprising return to the squad
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RAHEEM STERLING has been axed from Chelsea’s squad for a SECOND successive game.
Just two days after being dumped from Sunday’s Prem opener against Manchester City, the England winger, 29, has been excluded for Thursday's Conference League play-off with Servette.
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The Blues welcome the Swiss side to Stamford Bridge for the opening of a two-legged tie that will determine if they will play European football this season.
And Sterling - who has three years left to run on his current Chelsea contract - will play no part.
Defenders Ben Chilwell and Wesley Fofana were also not included on Chelsea’s A-list submitted to Uefa.
But four wingers have been named ahead of Sterling — Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, Pedro Neto and Mykhailo Mudryk.
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Sterling’s camp said in a statement before Sunday’s 2-0 defeat by City they wanted “clarity” over his future.
Chelsea have spent £185m on 11 signings this summer and their 43-man bloated squad sparked a series of hilarious memes on social media yesterday.
However, striker Armando Broja has agreed a move to Ipswich.
The Albania international will go on loan until the end of the season with a £30m option to buy.
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Chelsea's initial 'A' list squad to face Servette
Goalkeepers: Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen, Marcus Bettinelli
Defenders: AxelDisasi, Marc Cucurella, Benoit Badiashile, Reece James, Malo Gusto, Renato Veiga
Midfielders: Enzo Fernandez, Noni Madueke, Carney Chukwuemeka, Cole Palmer, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia
Forwards: Mykhailo Mudryk, Nicolas Jackson, Pedro Neto, Marc Guiu, Christopher Nkunku
Chilwell dropped down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge after a series of injuries over the last two campaigns.
Boss Maresca said: "The reason he did not play in our pre-season game against Inter was because, with Chilly it is quite clear, even though I love the way he is, the problem is, he is struggling a bit to find the right position.
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"We had 22 players training and if you ask all of them they will say they want to play against City on Sunday. But that is impossible.
"I need to make a decision and probably it is better to leave and go and get minutes. The transfer window is open so we’ll see what happens."
Chelsea currently have 43 first team players available for selection.
Maresca admitted the squad has to be trimmed before the transfer window closes.
Meanwhile, Reece James - who recently suffered a new hamstring injury - has been included in the list of available players to face Servette on Thursday night.
Elsewhere, star-boy Palmer returned to Manchester to claim the PFA Young Player of the Year award for the 2023/24 season.
Sterling's camp statement in full
A statement released before kick-off read: “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.”
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