Raheem Sterling was left on the bench as Chelsea was beaten by Manchester City on Sunday evening.

It’s yet to be seen whether Sterling is in Enzo Maresca’s plans for the season.

Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling’s camp has released a statement, thus: “Raheem Sterling is contracted to Chelsea Football Club for the next three years.

“He returned to England two weeks early to conduct individual training, and has had a positive pre-season under the new coach, who he has developed a good working relationship with.

“He is committed, as ever, to delivering at the highest level for Chelsea FC and the fans, who he holds in high regard, and given his inclusion in official club pre-match material this week, our expectation was that Raheem would be involved in this weekend’s fixture in some capacity.

“As a camp, we have always had positive dialogue with, and assurance from, Chelsea FC in relation to Raheem’s future at the club, so we look forward to gaining clarity on the situation.

“Until then, we will continue to support Raheem’s desire to start the new season positively.”

Enzo Maresca has now admitted he wasn’t sure if Sterling would still be a Chelsea player at the end of the transfer window.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Sterling said: “I don’t know [if he will stay].

“The only thing I can say is that it was a technical decision and in the next day, we will want to sit and clarify the situation but it is nothing more than that.

“For all the players, they are Chelsea players. If they are going to be Chelsea players, then we will try to use them but no more than technical decision.

“I want Raheem Sterling but I want all the 30 players we have. But there is no space for all of them. So for some of them, they have to leave.”

It will be difficult for Chelsea to let go of Sterling, as his £300,000-a-week wages could be a stumbling block.