Chelsea strip two players of shirt numbers in latest brutal move

Two Chelsea players have been left without shirt numbers in the latest brutal move by Enzo Maresca.

The Blues have around 15-20 players training separately from the first-team due to the sheer volume of players on their books.

They have told a number of players to move on in a bid to find regular game-time, including the likes of Raheem Sterling, Trevoh Chalobah, Ben Chilwell and Romelu Lukaku.

And it's been confirmed by Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol that both Sterling and Chalobah no longer have numbers allocated.

Sterling wore No.7 last year but has had the number taken off him and handed to £54 million signing Pedro Neto, who debuted with the No.19 against Manchester City.

Chalobah is also well out of favour and his No.14 has been given to Joao Felix, who has signed a seven-year deal at Stamford Bridge.

The Portugal international wore No.11 in his first spell on loan in 2023.

The number changes are also visible on the megastore on the club's official website, meaning fans can purchase the shirts with the new numbers.

Image: Getty

It's expected that those who have bought a No.19 Neto jersey will be able to exchange it free of charge.

The cursed No.9 shirt does not yet have a recipient and was last worn by Lukaku, who is still somehow a Chelsea player but unwanted by Enzo Maresca.

Chelsea are expected to look to sign another forward and so the number could yet be assumed by a new addition.

Vice captain Ben Chilwell's No.21 does still come up as an option on the website, though both he and Sterling are surplus to requirements and training away from the main group.

Image: Getty

"They are training apart," Maresca explained on the two's situation.

"The situation with both of them is quite clear.

"We have a big squad and it's impossible to give all of them minutes. If they are looking for minutes it's better for them to leave.

"Brutal? I don't think so. I just try to be honest. I spoke with Raheem before the City game. I told him he is going to struggle to get minutes with us.

"Chilly, he is a lovely guy, but he is going to struggle in his position with us. If you find this brutal, it is up to you to decide."