In a must-win match for the Blues to secure a spot in European football this season, head coach Enzo Maresca has submitted his A-list squad to UEFA. Notably, Ben Chilwell and Raheem Sterling were omitted in favor of Cole Palmer, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Pedro Neto.
Chelsea’s Europa Conference League squad for Servette has Sterling, Tosin, Chilwell and Wesley Fofana all missing. James is back from a minor hamstring issue. Squad is not for the #UEL at large.
Sanchez, Jorgensen, Bettinelli; Disasi, Cucurellam, Badiashile, James, Gusto, Veiga;… pic.twitter.com/2XcVZqebBs
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) August 20, 2024
Earlier this week, Sterling’s representatives issued a statement addressing his exclusion from Chelsea’s Premier League opener against Manchester City.
Statement from Raheem Sterling’s camp… #CFC pic.twitter.com/t8WHk6yPK4
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) August 18, 2024
Sterling wasn’t the only notable absence, Ben Chilwell was also left out of the squad for the City game as it might be time for the full-back to move on away from Stamford Bridge.
Meanwhile, Conor Gallagher has yet to feature in the Blues’ first team this season and is reportedly on a transfer to Atletico Madrid, which could see Joao Felix permanently return to Chelsea. The Portuguese forward spent time on loan with the Blues in 2023 and could increase competition for Sterling’s place in the team.
?⚪️? Conor Gallagher, just landed in Madrid.@estoesatleti ? pic.twitter.com/Mr8Yzd4BZ6
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 20, 2024
Photo: Sergio Ruiz / Pressinphoto / Icon Sport