Chelsea's Outcasts: Who Should Stay or Go?
- Chelsea is facing a decision regarding their outcast players.
- Only a few players, like Chalobah and Petrovic, are deemed worthy of staying.
- Others are suggested to be sold before the transfer window closes.
Chelsea's recent decision to hold separate training sessions for certain players has raised eyebrows, with new head coach denying claims of 'brutal' treatment. The move highlights the club's apparent lack of value for these players, but a closer look reveals that not all have been hard done by. Raheem Sterling, despite his struggles, remains a more seasoned player compared to Mykhailo Mudryk, who has yet to find his footing since his £62 million transfer from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023. The potential absence of Ben Chilwell, due to fitness concerns, poses a dilemma for the club. While his experience is invaluable, his limited availability raises questions about his role moving forward. Meanwhile, Romelu Lukaku, who has expressed disinterest in returning to Chelsea after a disappointing season in 2021-22, finds himself in transfer talks with Napoli. Despite his past success, Lukaku's current situation reflects the club's shifting priorities and increased competition in the attacking midfield. The club's investment in players like Lukaku, Mudryk, and Sterling, totaling around £40 million, now appears to be at risk of becoming wasted funds. However, the decision to exclude them from the first team may be justified given their inconsistent performances. Additionally, goalkeeper Petrovic, who showed promise last season, is now on the transfer list after the club acquired Filip Jorgensen, further complicating the squad dynamics. As Chelsea navigates these challenges, the effectiveness of head coach Maresca's squad choices remains to be seen, with fans eager to see how the team will perform moving forward.