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Enzo Maresca gives honest answer to Raheem Sterling’s potential return to Chelsea squad

Originally posted on HITC | By Eoin Morris | Last updated Dec 9, 2025 10:25 AM ET

With Chelsea preparing to face Atalanta in the Champions League, Enzo Maresca was questioned about Raheem Sterling following Liam Delap’s injury.

It has been a while since there was any significant discussion about Sterling. The last notable mention came when Maresca addressed the PFA enquiry regarding Chelsea’s decision to have him and Axel Disasi train away from the main squad back in September.

After the Bournemouth match, the manager mentioned that Delap’s injury did not look good. It is now expected he will be sidelined for six to eight weeks. Cole Palmer will also not be making the trip to Italy.

Perhaps the 31-year-old’s mention is also related to Sterling’s hat-trick against Atalanta in just 11 minutes. Regardless of the reason, Maresca’s answer remains the same.

Enzo Maresca leaves door open for Raheem Sterling, with a caveat

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Maresca is typically careful with his words, especially when it comes to situations like Sterling’s. He usually does not give much away in these moments.

He often keeps his cards close to his chest, though you can sometimes get a sense of his thinking from the way he phrases things.

When asked if Sterling might be back in the picture with Delap sidelined, he said (via Football London): “In terms of Raheem, once again it’s the same thing I said about Axel [Disasi], they are Chelsea players. Now also we are in December, January is coming, so anything can happen with him.”

The question was not about a January move, but that is where Maresca seemed to be looking. He is not wrong, though. Until something changes, the British winger remains under contract at Chelsea – and it is not a small one, either.