Raheem Sterling Left Out of Chelsea's Europa Conference League Squad

 

Raheem Sterling Left Out of Chelsea's Europa Conference League Squad

Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling has been omitted from the squad for their Europa Conference League play-off first leg against Servette on Thursday.

Sterling, 29, has not been included in Chelsea's matchday squad for the second consecutive game, following his absence from the Premier League opener against Manchester City.

In addition to Sterling, defenders Ben Chilwell, Wesley Fofana, and Tosin Adarabioyo are also missing from Chelsea's A-list submitted to UEFA for the fixture at Stamford Bridge. The second leg is scheduled to take place in Switzerland on August 29.

Should Chelsea advance past Servette, Sterling may be added to the squad for the group stage of the Europa Conference League.

Sterling’s representatives had requested “clarity” regarding the player's future at Chelsea before Sunday’s loss to Manchester City. Chelsea's significant investment this summer, totaling approximately £185 million on 11 new signings, has resulted in a squad of over 40 senior players, leading to tough decisions for manager Enzo Maresca.

Maresca expressed his desire to keep Sterling at the club but acknowledged that the large squad means not all players can be accommodated in every match.

Since joining Chelsea from Manchester City for £50 million in July 2022, Sterling has made 81 appearances for the club.