Raheem Sterling has been given BACK his Chelsea squad number - according to the club’s official programme at least...
The England winger looks sure to leave Stamford Bridge before the end of the transfer window. Enzo Maresca suggested that Sterling will not have many chances under him this season after leaving him out of the squad to face his former side Manchester City in this season’s Premier League opener on Sunday.
Things then got even worse for the winger after seeing his number 7 shirt stripped from him and given to summer signing Pedro Neto. But fans may have been mistaken for thinking that the shirt had been given back to the out-of-favour winger.
Chelsea took on Swiss side Servette in a Europa Conference League qualifier on Thursday evening. The match’s official programme listed Sterling among the squad and listed him as the club’s number 7, despite Neto being the new owner of the shirt.
It only appears to be an error, however. Chelsea shared an image of Neto’s shirt ahead of the game on Twitter with the caption “Seven”.
The Blues eventually won 2-0 against Servette for their first competitive win under Maresca. French forward Christian Nkunku got the Premier League side on the scoresheet from the penalty spot, with Noni Madueke doubling the lead.
Chelsea will be back in action this weekend as they take on Wolves in the Premier League. Sterling is highly unlikely to be involved after Maresca admitted he has little future at the club.
Speaking in midweek, the Italian coach said: "I'm not saying Raheem is not a good player but I prefer different kinds of wingers. This is the reason why." He added: "I spoke with Raheem, one-on-one the day before City and I explained him exactly the situation. I don’t see Raheem after the game.
“He is training apart as I said, but in case I sit with Raheem, I will tell him exactly the same things that I already told him. I don’t have thing new to tell him because I was quite clear."
Sterling’s camp have already had their say on the current situation and have demanded clarity on the winger’s future. A statement said: "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."
GRÄYSÖÑJäy
2
this coach is really heartless 💔 😔 😪 we know players come and go but that doesn't mean you come as coach and take advantage of them I hate Enzo M
huudlmnryz
1
good morning good morning to all about Jesse fine and all Jessie board of members I guess sending my view to the bowl of Chelsea to just tell you a little thing for sending some prayers you don't just have to take decision of some players that you didn't supposed to somebody studying it supposed to leave Jesse to say he going alone or selling anything anyway the person that should I leave that thing and go away send somebody like Sanchez you keep up Santa go away to goalkeeper let me go send you alone before coming back or you sell him from the team yeah because you can't just spending money on Sundays Los Angeles and there's a guy I'm just I know forgetting his name I know he also from friends that are using the number five Jessie on Chelsea you know that particular guy he is not a good defender yeah so he too he should go that's not somebody like Ryan study right please you don't put somebody like that gorge I bet you can please listen to your friends and listen to the book very well I bet you say thank you very much for Lenny
seyceinosy
0
why all coaches when they come to Chelsea they brings their choices why can't be lie liverpool to work with the same players?
Rescdkmruz
1
sterling is a good winger.. why? Chelsea going downward again and again and again and again. very nice.. keep it down.
Lozibull
2
Stupid Coach 😭😭
Wotaclruyz
0
Another villas-boss with his new 10 commandments, well let's see till the end and see who stays and who leaves