Two first team players left out: Maresca tells Chelsea stars to Leave or 'Struggle'

Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell are officially out of Chelsea’s plans as they train away from the first team.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has delivered a blunt message to the England internationals: leave the club or face a struggle for minutes.

Enzo Maresca, who took over as Chelsea manager this summer, has made it clear that Sterling and Chilwell no longer fit into his vision for the team. "I just try to be honest... I told Raheem he’s going to struggle to get minutes with us.

Chilly, he’s going to struggle here too," Maresca revealed. This decision comes as the club continues to trim its oversized squad, which has been a challenge for the new manager.

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Maresca’s honest assessment with Chelsea's squad

Maresca has faced criticism for the way he’s managing the squad, with some suggesting that Chelsea is in disarray. However, the Italian insists otherwise. "I am not working with 42 players, I am working with 21 players [in first-team training]. It’s not a mess like it looks from outside," he stated, addressing the speculation.

Sterling and Chilwell were both left out of Chelsea’s squad for the Europa Conference League play-off against Servette and the Premier League opener against Manchester City. The exclusion was a clear signal that their futures lie away from Stamford Bridge.

Sterling, who had expected to play against his former club Manchester City, was particularly surprised by the decision. His representatives even released a statement demanding "clarity" just before the season began. But Maresca remained firm, choosing other options over the 29-year-old winger.

With the transfer window closing soon, Sterling, Chilwell, and other players like Romelu Lukaku and Kepa Arrizabalaga may be on their way out. Meanwhile, Chelsea secured the return of Joao Felix, who signed a seven-year deal after making 20 appearances on loan last season. Maresca is excited about the addition, describing Felix as a "good player" who can fill multiple roles for the team.

As Chelsea navigates a busy transfer window, the message from Maresca is clear: adapt to the new regime or find opportunities elsewhere.