Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that he has told England players Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell that they should keep an eye on him. transfer away from the club before the window closes later this month.
The Blues have a bloated squad and are hoping to replace a number of players, as they have adopted a massive recruitment strategy since Todd Boehly took over from Roman Abramovich in 2022.
Former Manchester City star Sterling has been left out of the squad for their Premier League opener against his former club on Sunday, with his camp admitting their surprise at being left out of pre-season. Chilwell was also absent, as Euro 2024 winner Marc Cucurella started at left back.
Speaking about Sterling and Chilwell ahead of his match with the media ahead of Thursday's Conference League match with Servette, Maresca told reporters: “They are training separately. As I said, the situation is clear and there is nothing new about the situation.
“They are Chelsea players until they are not Chelsea players. But it is impossible to give them all the minutes. Those who want minutes, better leave.”
He added: “I'm trying to be honest. I spoke to Raheem before the City game. I said he's going to struggle to get minutes with us and this is the reason. With Chilly, he's a lovely person but he's going to struggle. You describe this as cruelty, it's up to you to decide, it's not cruelty, just honesty.
Athletic revealed that Sterling is determined to leave Stamford Bridge permanently following his dismissal at the weekend. He is currently training with a group of players who have no future at the club which includes players like Romelu Lukaku, Trevoh Chalobah and Kepa Arrizabalaga.
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