Raheem Sterling Excluded from Chelsea Squad for European Clash

Raheem Sterling has been omitted from Chelsea’s squad for their Europa Conference League play-off first leg against Servette, marking the second consecutive match the 29-year-old England forward has been left out of the matchday squad. He was also absent from Chelsea’s Premier League opener against Manchester City.

In addition to Sterling, defenders Ben Chilwell, Wesley Fofana, and Tosin Adarabioyo were also not included in Chelsea’s A-list submitted to UEFA for Thursday’s match at Stamford Bridge. The second leg of the play-off will take place in Switzerland on August 29.

Sterling’s representatives released a statement prior to Chelsea’s defeat against Manchester City, seeking “clarity” regarding his future at the club. The exclusion raises questions about his role in the team, particularly after Chelsea’s significant summer spending of approximately £185 million on 11 new signings, which has resulted in a senior squad exceeding 40 players.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, while expressing his desire to keep Sterling at the club, acknowledged the challenge of managing such a large squad, stating that “there is not enough space” for all players to be involved in matches.

Sterling, who joined Chelsea from Manchester City in July 2022 for £50 million, has made 81 appearances for the club. If Chelsea advance to the Conference League group stage, there may still be an opportunity for Sterling to be included in the squad at that stage.