Raheem Sterling's camp demands 'clarity' on Chelsea future after shock omission from Enzo Maresca's squad for Man City clash he 'expected' to be involved in

Maresca named his squad for his first Premier League game in charge of Chelsea against champions Manchester City at Stamford Bridge, and Sterling did not even make the bench. The situation has not gone down well with the 29-year-old, with his camp having issued a statement calling on Chelsea to "clarify" his situation at the club.

A statement 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. 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."

Maresca was asked about the situation ahead of kick-off against Pep Guardiola's side and told Sky Sports: "The manager has to make some decisions. Sometimes players don't like it, that's normal. Just a technical decision, no more than that."

Maresca's decision to leave out Sterling appears to have thrown the forward's future at the club into doubt less than two weeks before the close of the transfer window. Sterling has already been linked with a move away this summer, with Juventus named as a possible destination, and it would be little surprise now to see the former Manchester City man look for a new club.

Sterling is not the only Chelsea player who could be on the move in the final stages of the window. Maresca has already told Ben Chilwell to look for a transfer, while Conor Gallagher is still hoping to seal a move to Atletico Madrid and Trevoh Chalobah has reportedly been barred from first-team facilities as the Blues look to find an exit for the defender.