Enzo Maresca sends final brutal message to Raheem Sterling and Chelsea 'bomb squad' as transfer window ticks down

There has been another transfer frenzy at Stamford Bridge and Chelsea find themselves with more than 40 players on their books. The window is ticking down and the Blues are looking to offload several players including high-profile individuals like Sterling and Ben Chilwell.

To manage the situation, Chelsea have created what has been dubbed a 'bomb squad' - a group of players who are no longer in the club's long-term plans and are training separately at Cobham. Apart from Sterling and Chilwell, others in the group include Trevoh Chalobah, Armando Broja, Kepa Arrizabalaga, David Datro Fofana, Angelo, Lucas Bergstrom, Deivid Washington, Tino Anjorin, Alex Matos, and Harvey Vale.

Maresca did not mince his words when addressing the situation of Sterling and the other players currently training apart from the main squad.

"We’re going to see. Because I prefer to be honest with the player, with Raheem, I’ve been exactly the same," he told reporters. "The ones who are not involved, they are all players who are not going to be involved and they don’t get any minutes in case they stay. I don’t know what happens when the window closes. We will see who is here and who is not here. The only thing I can say is the ones who are going to get minutes are the ones who I think can help us."

When asked for further clarification if Sterling would play if he fails to secure a move away, Maresca reiterated: "It’s not just Raheem. It’s all the players who at this moment are training apart. At the moment the transfer window closes, they are not going to get minutes. I’ve already been clear with them and honest and this is the only reason why."

As Chelsea race against time to finalise their transfer business, the fate of several players remains uncertain. Maresca's candid statements have provided a clear picture of the club's stance on those who are no longer in their plans, including Sterling. With the transfer window set to close soon, it remains to be seen if these players will find new homes or face a season of inactivity at Stamford Bridge.