Chelsea outcast Raheem Sterling was somewhat surprisingly left out of Enzo Maresca's first competitive Blues matchday squad this season. Unfortunately for the winger, he was omitted when his former team Manchester City came to Stamford Bridge. Now an update has emerged regarding a transfer request possibly coming from the ex-Liverpool star.
In addition to that, a Premier League legend of Manchester United has predictably predicted problems as a consequence of Sterling's situation and standing as a senior team member. Will the England international leave west London for another English top-flight club, travel abroad, or try his best to regain his Chels' place?
Raheem Sterling's position divulged by in the know reporter
When the Chelsea team sheet was released an hour and a quarter prior to playing Man City, there was a shock omission for some. I must admit, I wasn't overly surprised that Sterling's name was absent. His form at Chelsea is too inconsistent to support his slightly overrated reputation.
Nevertheless, you'd expect the 29-year-old to be included among the substitutes at the least. But Maresca thought otherwise. In spite of Sterling's 'representatives' releasing a pretty embarrassing statement concerning their client being disregarded, he isn't planning on handing in a transfer request. Yet:
"talkSPORT host Jim White said: 'In hindsight, his representatives regard that timing as unfortunate. Raheem and his camp want to have direct contact with Chelsea’s owners and sporting directors.
'I understand that the player will not be handing in a transfer request, they feel the player has a good relationship with the new coach.
'They feel that relationship is one of mutual respect, but until there is further dialogue, Raheem is doubtful he has a role to play at Chelsea going forward.'"
Rio Ferdinand weighs in on Sterling's status and ramifications
Ferdinand will likely be rubbing his hands at Chelsea's recent plight during the Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali era. Being a one-time Man United defender, he is entitled to that stance along with his informed opinion.
Although, sometimes the 45-year-old isn't quite as accurate with his assessments as some comparable experts and retired professionals. Nonetheless, Ferdinand appears to be correct in his evaluation of the latest Chels drama.
The pundit believes the most recent Blues melodrama could cause an aftermath which affects harmony amongst the roster at large. And Ferdinand is not wrong, as previously suggested. When a well-liked and respected teammate is brushed aside, it can become a bigger issue. We have seen that a few times before.
Apparently Sterling is so admired on Fulham Road that standout players such as club captain Reece James and the outstanding Cole Palmer respectfully refer to the former as 'uncle Raheem'. However, there are instances which show the opposite of what Ferdinand forecasts. When fan favourites Conor Gallagher and Trevoh Chalobah were frozen out of the side, nobody appeared to stand up for them or rock the boat.