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Raheem Sterling’s agent has issued a statement seeking “clarity” on the forward’s future after his omission from the Chelsea squad to face Manchester City.
Sterling was not among the 20-man matchday squad named by Enzo Maresca for the Italian’s first Premier League match in charge at Stamford Bridge.
Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku were named as the starting front three, while 18-year-old summer signing Marc Guiu was one of a number of forward options preferred to Sterling on the bench.
A member of the 82-cap England international’s off-field team admitted that they were surprised at Maresca’s decision to leave the 29-year-old out entirely against his former club.
“Raheem Sterling is contracted to Chelsea Football Club for the next three years,” a statement from Sterling’s representative to the Daily Mailsaid. “He returned to England two weeks early to conduct individual training, and has had a positive preseason 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.”
Sterling featured in all six of Chelsea’s preseason fixtures. He joined the London club in the summer of 2022 after seven seasons with Manchester City.
The winger appeared 31 times in the Premier League last season, scoring eight goals to help his side to sixth place. He has not featured for England since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.