Raheem Sterling representatives seeking 'clarity' after Chelsea winger left out for Manchester City Premier League clash

Chelsea left Raheem Sterling out of their squad to face Manchester City, and the player's representatives were quick to release a statement insisting the "expectation" had been that he would feature. The development has cast doubt over Sterling's future at the club, with rumours developing of a potential exit before the close of the summer transfer window.

Raheem Sterling’s representatives have released a statement insisting the player expected to “be involved” after he was left out of Chelsea’s squad for their Premier League opener against Manchester City.

Sterling, 29, has been a regular for Chelsea since arriving at the club in 2022 and featured in all six of the team’s pre-season matches.

But he was not named in the squad by new Blues manager Enzo Maresca to play against his former team.

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After the team was announced, Sterling’s representatives released a statement, which read: “Raheem Sterling is contracted to Chelsea Football Club for the next three years.

“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.

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“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 has been linked with a move away from Chelsea this summer after the big-money signing of Pedro Neto from Wolves added to the club’s attacking options.

The likes of Cole Palmer, Christopher Nkunku, Noni Madueke, Nicolas Jackson and Mykhailo Mudryk will all be competing for places in Maresca’s forward line.

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Sterling, in a recent interview, with CNN, insisted he was “committed” to helping Chelsea develop after a difficult period under new ownership.

“It’s been, again, an eventful two years,” he said. “But one that I’m super committed to, that will get the results that I was expecting.

“It’s been an eventful journey, but I do see the vision and I do see us taking our next step and now really challenging for stuff - slowly but surely.”

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