Raheem Sterling seeks 'clarity' on Chelsea future after exclusion ...

Raheem Sterling is seeking “clarity” over his future at Chelsea after being excluded from the opening Premier League matchday squad against Manchester City.

The 29-year-old forward was not named among the 20 players in Enzo Maresca’s squad for the match at Stamford Bridge against his former club, whom he left for Chelsea in the summer of 2022, despite not carrying an injury.

The former Liverpool player was involved in 43 matches across all competitions last season under former head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who was replaced by Maresca this summer.

During Chelsea’s pre-season tour, Maresca was asked on Sterling’s role in his squad to which the Italian replied that he was “one of our most important players”.

“At this moment, sometimes he is playing from the start, sometimes he goes inside,” Maresca said. “The important thing is we give him minutes, and he is doing well.”

Sterling is not currently aware of Chelsea being in any negotiations or talks with any other clubs over the forward’s future.

“The manager has to make some decisions,” Maresca told Sky Sports on Sunday of Sterling’s exclusion. “Sometimes players don’t like it, that’s normal. Just a technical decision, no more than that.”

Chelsea have been contacted for comment by The Athletic.

“Raheem Sterling is contracted to Chelsea Football Club for the next three years,” Sterling’s camp have said on his situation.

“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.”

Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku are Chelsea’s two wide attacking starters against City, with new signing Pedro Neto named on the bench alongside Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke.

Conor Gallagher and Ben Chilwell have also been excluded from the matchday squad amid uncertainty over their futures.

(James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)

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