Enzo Maresca has revealed that Raheem Sterling is training separately from Chelsea’s first team and is not part of his plans, as the head coach “prefers a different kind of winger.”

Chelsea are reportedly open to offers for Sterling, just two years after his £50 million move from Manchester City in 2022. Maresca informed the 29-year-old last Friday that he would not feature in his plans this season.

The 29-year-old Sterling now seems surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge, as does his England team-mate Chilwell, with nine days left until the transfer window closes.

Consequently, Sterling was left out of the squad that faced City last Sunday and is not included in the preparations for Thursday’s match against Servette.

Adding to the uncertainty surrounding Sterling’s future, his iconic No. 7 shirt has been reassigned to summer signing Pedro Neto, who made his debut against Manchester City wearing the No. 19 shirt.

Before the City match, Sterling’s representatives issued a statement seeking “clarity” over his future—a move that Jamie Carragher criticised as “ridiculous.”

Sterling’s camp had held discussions with Chelsea at the end of last season, which led him to believe he would remain at the club. However, it now seems likely that the England international has already played his last game for Chelsea.

Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s Conference League play-off first leg at home to Servette, Maresca stated, “I’m not saying Raheem is not a good player, but I prefer a different kind of winger.”