Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has made a bold decision ahead of the Club World Cup, dropping four players from his squad including high-profile stars Raheem Sterling and Joao Felix.
The Blues are set to travel to the United States in the coming days for the tournament, which kicks off this weekend. The omitted players represent at least £150 million worth of talent, signaling Maresca's intent to reshape the squad according to his vision.
Key Players Left Behind
Sterling, who endured a difficult loan spell at Arsenal last season, has been excluded from the traveling party. The England international's omission raises further questions about his future at Stamford Bridge.
Similarly, Portuguese forward Joao Felix, who cost Chelsea £45 million but spent last season on loan at AC Milan, has also been axed from the squad.
French defender Axel Disasi, who had a loan stint with Aston Villa during the second half of last season, is another notable absentee from the squad.
Perhaps the most surprising exclusion is goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic. The Serbian shot-stopper was widely expected to step up as Chelsea's first-choice goalkeeper after the club failed to secure AC Milan's Mike Maignan in the transfer market.
Tournament Schedule
Chelsea's Club World Cup campaign begins with a group stage match against MLS side LAFC. The London club will also face Brazilian giants Flamengo and Tunisian outfit Esperance in their group fixtures.
The tournament represents an early opportunity for Maresca to make his mark at Chelsea after taking over the managerial position. His squad selection decisions indicate he's not afraid to make tough calls, regardless of players' price tags or reputations.
Meanwhile, in related Club World Cup news, Nigerian international Zaidu Sanusi has been named in FC Porto's squad for the tournament.
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