- Maresca Drops Sterling, Joao Felix From Chelsea’s Club World Cup Squad
- Chelsea prioritises current squad over big-name loanees
- Only Andrey Santos returns among previously loaned players
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has made bold changes ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, excluding high-profile names worth a combined £150 million from the tournament squad.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that among the notable absentees are Raheem Sterling, Joao Felix, Axel Disasi, and Serbian goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, as Chelsea prepare for group-stage fixtures against LAFC, Flamengo, and Tunisian champions Espérance.
Sterling, who cost Chelsea £50 million, has been dropped after an underwhelming loan spell at Arsenal. Joao Felix, permanently signed last summer before being sent out on loan to AC Milan, has also been axed. French centre-back Axel Disasi, who spent the latter half of the season with Aston Villa, was similarly excluded.
However, the most surprising omission is Petrovic. Despite impressing on loan at Strasbourg after Chelsea failed to secure Mike Maignan, the Serbian shot-stopper has not made the squad. His performances had sparked speculation he could challenge for the club’s No.1 spot, but Maresca has instead chosen to rely on Robert Sánchez, Filip Jorgensen, and youngster Mike Penders.
A club source revealed that Chelsea are treating the Club World Cup as a direct extension of the 2024–2025 campaign. That approach explains the exclusion of players who were sent out on loan and the preference for those integrated in the current squad setup.
The only loanee returning to make the squad is Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos, who has rejoined the team and will feature in the tournament.
Maresca’s selection signals a focus on consistency and cohesion, as the Blues aim to assert dominance on the world stage without some of their biggest names.
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