Raheem Sterling’s Chelsea career hangs in the balance as Carney Chukwuemeka’s potential exit looms.
Despite being a key figure in pre-season under new coach Enzo Maresca, Sterling found himself axed from the squad for the 2-0 defeat by Manchester City. This exclusion was a move that Maresca later chalked up to tactics for their Premier League opener, reports the Mirror.
Sterling, one of Todd Boehly’s marquee signings, has had a rocky ride with the Blues so far – even facing the wrath of his own supporters who jeered him during an FA Cup clash with Leicester last season. Chukwuemeka stood by Sterling amidst the backlash, but now it seems the duo could be torn apart as Maresca dropped a bombshell about the young midfielder’s future.
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The new coach has suggested that he might be on his way out of Stamford Bridge before the transfer window slams shut. Maresca said: “Carney is a very good player, but because of some injuries in the past, I think it’s important he plays 30 or 35 games in a row. Is he going to play that for us? I’m not sure.”
The 20-year-old talent has attracted interest from Crystal Palace and has also been touted for a big leap to either Barcelona or Italian giants AC Milan.
The young star, who is also reportedly considering a loan deal, has huge respect for Raheem Sterling and spoke after the 29-year-olds unimpressive performance against Leicester: “Raheem is an experienced player – he’s had an amazing career.
“We know what a great footballer he is. He’s contributed to goals and assists and won many penalties for the team this season. It happens. He’s human.”
He added: “Players miss chances or have an off day. We stay behind him. He still got an assist for Cole Palmer’s goal. For us youngsters, especially me, he’s helped us a lot since we came. He’s always on at us, showing us what we can do better, what we can improve on. That’s outside of football as well as in.”
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(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Despite the dip in form, Sterling remained a regular starter in Pochettino’s lineup and seemed set for continued first-team action even after his sacking, if pre-season showings were anything to go by.
However, Sterling’s representatives released a statement expressing that their “expectation was that Raheem would be involved in this weekend’s fixture in some capacity” and that they “look forward to gaining clarity on the situation”.
However, with the signing of Pedro Neto for a whopping £54m and other players such as Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku being in favour, it looks likely that Sterling’s time at Stamford Bridge could be coming to an end.
If he fails to transfer away this summer, he could still find himself losing a dressing room ally in Chukwuemeka, as the young talent may go out on loan – or leave permanently.
“I want Raheem Sterling, but I want all the 30 players we have,” said Maresca, discussing the veteran forward’s omission from his squad. “But, there is no space for all of them. So for some of them, they have to leave.”