Raheem Sterling torn apart for 'ridiculous' Chelsea statement as Jamie Carragher tells disgruntled winger to 'play better' if he wants regular role under Enzo Maresca

Chelsea announced their official squad on Sunday afternoon for their Premier League opener against Manchester City and the list had one key name missing: Sterling. The England international's representatives immediately released a statement to question Sterling's future at Stamford Bridge and demanded 'clarity' from the Blues' senior officials. Carragher shot down the "ridiculous" statement before Chelsea lost 2-0 to the defending champions.

Carragher shot Sterling down on social media as he wrote: "Massive fan of Raheem as a player & a lad. Not a fan of the Chelsea set-up with owners etc…But this statement is ridiculous! As a camp………..! We look forward to gaining clarity…….!! No need for a statement, especially an hour before kick-off!! Just play better."

Sterling's future has not been very secure at Chelsea this summer as the Blues have continued their signing rampage from last year. The Blues have a very bloated squad already and they are still looking to make new signings in attack before the end of the summer. As such, Sterling could be pushed out of the club amid links with Italian giants Juventus.

When asked about Sterling's omission from the squad, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca said it was a "technical decision". With just under two weeks left until the end of the transfer window, the Blues may struggle to finalise any sale for the 29-year-old, who is facing competition from the likes of Pedro Neto, Christopher Nkunku and Mykhailo Mudryk for minutes out wide.