'There's no space for all of them' - Enzo Maresca fuels Raheem Sterling transfer talk as Chelsea boss admits some players 'have to leave' after omitting winger from Man City defeat

Sterling's future at Chelsea has been plunged into fresh doubt after new boss Enzo Maresca dropped the winger from his squad to face Manchester City. The move was met with a swift reponse from Sterling's camp. His representatives issued a statement demanding "clarity" on his future and making it clear he had been expecting to feature against Pep Guardiola's side.

The situation has already attracted criticism from Chelsea fans who have been left unimpressed with Sterling's attitude. A possible move away from Chelsea does now appear a strong possibility for Sterling, with Maresca's comments on the winger likely to fuel speculation further about a summer exit from the club.

The Chelsea boss had the following response when asked if he wants Sterling in his squad. He told reporters: "I want all 30 players but there is no space for all of them so some have to leave."

Maresca also spoke about Sterling's statement in an interview to BBC Match of the Day: "To be honest, I didn't see the statement. I have nothing to say. It was a tactical decision, no more than that. in the next day, we will clarify in case we need to. I have been clear, it's a tactical decision. I didn't see it."

Sterling's absence against Manchester City meant that the former Liverpool winger failed to feature in his club's first game of the Premier League season for the first time since 2012-13.

Sterling will hope to have his future cleared up quickly as there are less than two weeks left before the Premier League transfer window closes. The Blues could be set for a busy time with Maresca needing to trim a bloated squad. Meanwhile, the Blues are back in action on Thursday in the Europa Conference League against Servette, and it will be interesting to see if Sterling makes the squad for the clash at Stamford Bridge.