Sterling Omitted from Chelsea's Squad for Europa Conference League Match

Raheem Sterling has been excluded from Chelsea's squad for their Europa Conference League play-off first leg against Servette. The match, scheduled for Thursday at Stamford Bridge (20:00 BST), will be the second consecutive game Sterling has missed, following his omission from Chelsea's Premier League opener against Manchester City.

Chelsea's squad for Thursday's fixture also does not include defenders Ben Chilwell, Wesley Fofana, and Tosin Adarabioyo, as they were not listed on the A-list submitted to UEFA. The second leg of the play-off is set to take place in Switzerland on 29 August.

Should Chelsea advance, Sterling could potentially be included in the squad for the Conference League group stage.

Sterling's representatives have requested "clarity" regarding his future with the club following Chelsea's defeat by City on Sunday. Chelsea's recent summer spending, totaling approximately £185 million on 11 new signings, has left manager Enzo Maresca with a squad exceeding 40 senior players.

Maresca has expressed a desire to keep Sterling at Chelsea but admitted that "there is not enough space" for all players to participate in matches. Sterling has appeared in 81 games for Chelsea since his transfer from Manchester City for £50 million in July 2022.