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The 22 first-team players EXCLUDED for Chelsea’s Premier League opener

byFootball Insomnia

August 19, 2024

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The 22 first-team players EXCLUDED for Chelsea’s Premier League opener

Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, Romelu Lukaku, Chelsea — © IMAGO

Enzo Maresca’s first competitive game as Chelsea boss saw the Blues lose 2-0 to Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.

Erling Haaland’s first-half goal – his 91st in 100 Man City appearances – and Mateo Kovacic’s 84th minute strike were enough to give Pep Guardiola’s side the perfect start to their defence of the Premier League title.

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While there were many talking points in the match itself, including Kovacic netting against his former club, Maresca’s team selection arguably caused the most controversy online.

The starting XI picked by the Italian was probably Chelsea’s strongest available team, but there were 22 first-team players who were excluded by Maresca altogether.

Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell were among the players to miss out, with the former’s camp even releasing a statement following his omission.

As per the first-team squad listed on Chelsea’s club website, there were 22 players missing from their 20-man matchday team to face Man City.

Admittedly, many of those players are expected to depart Stamford Bridge before the transfer window ends, while several youngsters are also listed as first-team players but are set to play in Chelsea’s U21 side.

However, it’s alarming nonetheless, especially as only five first-team players were omitted from Man City’s matchday squad, including the injured Oscar Bobb.

Raheem Sterling was excluded from Chelsea's matchday squad against Manchester City — © IMAGO – Raheem Sterling was excluded from Chelsea’s matchday squad against Manchester City

The 22 players missing from Chelsea’s squad vs Man City

Player	Position
Marcus Bettinelli	Goalkeeper
Djordje Petrovic	Goalkeeper
Lucas Bergstrom	Goalkeeper
Kepa Arrizabalaga	Goalkeeper
Axel Disasi	Defender
Trevoh Chalobah	Defender
Ben Chilwell	Defender
Reece James	Defender
Josh Acheampong	Defender
Bashir Humphreys	Defender
Carney Chukwuemeka	Midfielder
Conor Gallagher	Midfielder
Cesare Casadei	Midfielder
Omari Kellyman	Midfielder
Tino Anjorin	Midfielder
Raheem Sterling	Forward
Tyrique George	Forward
Deivid Washington	Forward
Angelo Gabriel	Forward
Armando Broja	Forward
David Datro Fofana	Forward
Romelu Lukaku	Forward

Of the players excluded from the squad to play Man City, there are several who will leave Chelsea shortly.

Conor Gallagher is in advanced negotiations to join Atletico Madrid, with Joao Felix set to move in the opposite direction, while Romelu Lukaku appears destined to sign for Napoli once Victor Osimhen departs.

The aforementioned Chilwell has been told to find a new club by Maresca, Trevoh Chalobah has been deemed surplus to requirements, and Carney Chukwuemeka has been heavily linked with both Barcelona and Crystal Palace.

Meanwhile, Deivid Washington, Djordje Petrovic, Cesare Casadei, Angelo Gabriel, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Bashir Humphreys, Armando Broja, and David Datro Fofana are also expected to leave, either on loan or permanently.

Tyrique George, Josh Acheampong and Omari Kellyman are set to feature prominently for Chelsea’s U21 team during the 2024-25 campaign.