Chelsea Players Excluded from First Team Training Under New Boss Maresca

In a significant shake-up at Chelsea, several players, including Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, Romelu Lukaku, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Trevoh Chalobah, have been informed they are not part of new manager Enzo Maresca's plans. These players will train separately at Cobham until they can negotiate exits from the club. Sterling, in particular, is grappling with the news, having been informed that he can leave after the arrival of Pedro Neto, who has taken his No. 7 shirt. While the so-called "bomb squad" is not entirely isolated from the first team, their situation remains uncomfortable. Reports indicate that at least one member was seen mingling in the first-team building, and they have access to various training pitches not occupied by Chelsea's academy or women's teams. For homegrown player Chalobah, the experience has been particularly painful, as he had hoped for a breakthrough season but was not included in the recent U.S. tour. In related news, Sky Sports pundits Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher discussed Liverpool's lack of transfer activity as the window nears its end. Carragher expressed relief that Liverpool is not engaging in reckless spending, unlike Chelsea in recent seasons. He acknowledged the need for squad strengthening but emphasized the importance of strategic signings rather than impulsive ones. As Chelsea navigates its complex roster and Liverpool contemplates its transfer strategy, both clubs face unique challenges in the current football landscape.