Chelsea supervisor Enzo Maresca has insisted he desires to maintain Raheem Sterling at Stamford Bridge however acknowledged that the Blues’ bloated squad will probably result in some undesirable exits.
Maresca, who described Sterling as an “essential participant” for the squad in pre-season, made the stunning choice to depart the winger out of his squad for Sunday’s Premier League opener in opposition to Manchester Metropolis.
A response from Sterling’s representatives rapidly emerged, though it has since been harassed that their assertion was not issued an hour earlier than kick-off and was truly made following rumours Sterling may very well be dropped within the days main as much as the Metropolis fixture. Solely when Sterling’s omission was official did the response emerge.
Maresca described the snub as a “technical choice” however was later requested bluntly whether or not he expects Sterling to nonetheless be on the membership on the finish of the switch window.
“I do not know,” Maresca confessed. “The one factor I can say is that it was a technical choice and within the subsequent day, we are going to wish to sit and make clear the state of affairs however it’s nothing greater than that.
“For all of the gamers, they’re Chelsea gamers. If they will be Chelsea gamers, then we are going to attempt to use them however not more than technical choice. I need Raheem Sterling however I need all of the 30 gamers we have now. However there isn’t any area for all of them. So for a few of them, they’ve to depart.”
Additionally ignored alongside Sterling had been Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka and Axel Disasi.
Chilwell’s omission was hardly a shock after Maresca overtly admitted the left-back ought to pursue a transfer away, however questions had been requested concerning the futures of Chukwuemeka and Disasi.
Maresca admitted Disasi had not been absolutely match heading into the sport, however for Chukwuemeka, he urged the 20-year-old’s future could lie away from Stamford Bridge.
“I feel each case is completely different,” Maresca stated. “Carney, I feel he’s an excellent participant.
“The issue is, due to some accidents prior to now, I feel the perfect for him is to play 30 or 35 video games in a row, to indicate himself that he’s match and the way good he’s as a result of he is superb. With us, is he going to play 35 video games? I am undecided.”