Chelsea have named their 19-man Premier League squad ahead of Saturday night’s clash with Brentford, with Raheem Sterling among those registered despite uncertainty over his future.
The winger, 30, endured a difficult loan spell at Arsenal last season, scoring only once in 28 appearances, and was expected to leave Stamford Bridge this summer. A potential move to Fulham collapsed, leaving Sterling in limbo. Enzo Maresca had previously indicated the former England international was not in his long-term plans, but he is still included in the official squad list.
Defender Axel Disasi, also told he could depart during the summer window, finds himself in a similar situation. Both players are unlikely to feature regularly, though their registrations mean Chelsea retain the option of calling on them.
Chelsea’s main list includes key senior figures such as Enzo Fernández, Moisés Caicedo, Cole Palmer, Liam Delap, and Reece James, but a number of high-profile youngsters are absent. New signings Alejandro Garnacho and Estevão Willian, along with Facundo Buonanotte, Jamie Gittens, and Romeo Lavia, have been named on the club’s under-21 list. Premier League rules allow an unlimited number of U21 players (born after January 1, 2004) to participate without taking up a squad slot.
Full 19-Man Chelsea Squad
Goalkeepers: Filip Jorgensen, Robert Sánchez*
Defenders: Tosin Adarabioyo*, Benoît Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah*, Levi Colwill*, Marc Cucurella, Axel Disasi, Wesley Fofana, Malo Gusto, Reece James*
Midfielders: Moisés Caicedo, Enzo Fernández, Cole Palmer*
Forwards: Liam Delap*, David Datro Fofana, João Pedro*, Pedro Neto, Raheem Sterling*
(* = homegrown player)
U21 List (Selected)
Alejandro Garnacho, Estevão Willian, Facundo Buonanotte, Jamie Gittens, Romeo Lavia, Gabriel Slonina.
Chelsea return to action tonight in the west London derby against Brentford, with Maresca facing several injury concerns but boosted by the return of Cole Palmer.
