Chris Sutton delivers his verdict on Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling after the weekend incident

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Chris Sutton has now weighed in with his opinion on the controversial incident involving Chelsea attacker Raheem Sterling at the weekend.

Raheem Sterling, 29, was left out of Chelsea’s matchday squad on Sunday for their opening fixture of the Premier League season at home to Manchester City. Incidentally, Blues head coach Enzo Maresca suffered a 2-0 defeat during his first competitive match in charge.

Sterling’s camp released a statement hours before kick-off, which asked for clarification from the club on the player’s future after his omission from the squad versus Man City.

• READ MORE: Forget Raheem Sterling, £29m Chelsea player has the most valid reason to be angry after the weekend

Chris Sutton reaction on Raheem Sterling statement

Chris Sutton thinks Sterling’s omission at the weekend was purely down to the fact he’s not been quite good enough in Chelsea colours for the last two years. He’d much rather the English attacker focuses on hard work to get better rather than putting out statements to make noise.

When discussing Sterling on BBC Radio 5 Live (7:16pm, 19 August), Sutton said: “He hasn’t pulled up any trees at Chelsea. He has been okay. He has been there for two seasons, his numbers haven’t been incredible.

“There is no agenda against Raheem Sterling other than the manager didn’t think he was good enough. I am afraid just because of his reputation and his past, he is just like any other normal player and he has to get on with it.”

In fairness, Sutton’s right that Sterling has underwhelmed so far in two years as a Chelsea player so far:

Sterling has achieved so much in both his club and international career, but it appears to have slowed down for him since moving to West London.

What’s next for Raheem Sterling?

Everyone will be intrigued to see what happens next for Sterling, who’s received criticism from all over the media for his actions. Let’s see if he’s involved in the matchday squad when Chelsea face Servette on Thursday night in the Conference League play-offs.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano previously reported via Playback that Sterling’s expected to leave Chelsea if Joao Felix signs. Therefore, it could make for an exciting finish to the summer transfer window, which closes on 30 August.