Troubling times for Raheem Sterling at Stamford Bridge

It’s looking like a tough year for Chelsea star Raheem Sterling has yet again been deemed surplus by the Blues ahead of Thursday’s Europa Conference League play-off first leg with Servette.

After missing out on England’s Euro 2024 squad to Germany, omitted from Chelsea’s opening game of the 2024/2025 season against Manchester City on Sunday, Raheem Sterling has yet again been left out of the Chelsea team for Thursday.

Blues boss Enzo Maresca lost his first game as Chelsea’s boss in the Premier League in a 2-0 deficit to Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. The next assignment for the London club and their new manager is European football on Thursday night at Stamford Bridge against Swiss opponents Servette.

Chelsea have been popular for their bloated squad this season and many have been waiting to observe how Maresca will handle the situation. However, despite the plethora of players who have been sidelined for the upcoming fixture, Raheem Sterling stands out especially after also missing the season opener.

The 29-year-old demanded clarity over his status in the club from Chelsea through his agent over the weekend. Despite Chelsea spending around £185m on 11 players this summer, Maresca insists Sterling remains a big part of the team.

Raheem Sterling joined Chelsea from Manchester City for £50m in July 2022 and has made 81 appearances for the Blues since then. He has also played 82 for the Three Lions, and a return to the team soon remains uncertain.

Some of the notable absentees for Chelsea are defenders Ben Chilwell, Wesley Fofana, and Tosin Adarabioyo. Meanwhile, 

Chelsea squad for Servette:

Goalkeepers: Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen, Marcus Bettinelli

Defenders: Axel Disasi, 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.