Where is Raheem Sterling? Maresca Reveals He Has “Not Seen” Chelsea Outcast Since Season Began

The mystery surrounding Raheem Sterling and his Chelsea exile has deepened after manager Enzo Maresca admitted he has not laid eyes on the winger since the start of the 2025-26 campaign. Once one of the Premier League’s most feared attackers, Sterling now finds himself training away from the first team, using separate facilities and seemingly frozen out of Stamford Bridge life altogether.

Raheem Sterling’s Situation at Chelsea

Sterling’s fall from grace has been dramatic. After spending last season on loan at Arsenal, the former Manchester City man returned to Chelsea in the summer hoping to either earn his place back under the club’s new manager or secure a permanent move elsewhere. Instead, he has been consigned to what has been dubbed the “bomb squad” — a group of players surplus to requirements, training in isolation from the first-team squad.

Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s upcoming clash with Brentford, Maresca was frank when asked about Sterling’s status.
“They are Chelsea players,” Maresca told reporters. “But at the moment they are training separately and the plan is to continue in this way. Since the season started, I haven’t seen either of them. I haven’t seen Axel or Raheem. They train at a different time and on a different pitch. I haven’t seen them since the start of the season.”

It is a rare admission from a top-flight manager and gives supporters a clear picture of just how far Sterling has slipped down the pecking order.

Transfer Window Missed Opportunities

Sterling reportedly had opportunities to restart his career abroad, with Juventus and Bayer Leverkusen both interested in signing him during the summer transfer window. However, the England international rejected those approaches, instead preferring to stay in London to remain close to his family.

That decision has left him in limbo. Chelsea were keen to move on high earners who no longer fit the squad’s long-term vision, but no London-based club came forward with a suitable offer. Now, with the transfer window closed, Sterling faces months of training away from the main group unless a solution is found in January.

He is not alone in this predicament. Defender Axel Disasi also failed to secure a move away and finds himself in the same situation. Both players are currently using separate dressing rooms and gym facilities, effectively cut off from the matchday squad.

Maresca’s Uncompromising Approach

Raheem Sterling Chelsea 2024

Enzo Maresca’s stance reflects Chelsea’s ruthless approach to squad management in this new era. The Italian coach, who has guided the Blues to an unbeaten start to the Premier League season, appears determined to maintain a tight, focused squad committed to his philosophy.

His decision to keep Sterling and others away from first-team activities is clearly designed to avoid distractions and ensure harmony within the group. For Maresca, the focus is on building a new-look Chelsea capable of challenging for major honours, and he does not seem willing to compromise that project for the sake of reintegrating players who may not want to be there.

What’s Next for Sterling?

The big question is what happens next for Raheem Sterling. The January transfer window may offer him a lifeline, but that is still months away. In the meantime, he faces a frustrating period of training away from the limelight with no clear route back into the first-team picture.

For a player who has won multiple Premier League titles, domestic cups, and played a crucial role for England in major tournaments, this is a remarkable twist in his career. At 30, Sterling still has plenty to offer at the top level, but every week spent away from competitive action risks diminishing his sharpness and value on the market.

Chelsea’s Focus Shifts to Brentford

As for Chelsea, attention now turns to Saturday’s Premier League trip to the Gtech Community Stadium to face Brentford. The Blues are looking to maintain their unbeaten start to the season and continue building momentum under Maresca.

The Italian manager has already made clear that his focus is solely on the players at his disposal. His system has clicked quickly, with Chelsea showing greater control and defensive solidity compared to previous seasons. Fans will hope that this new direction finally brings stability after years of inconsistency