BURNT THE BRIDGE

RAHEEM STERLING has been axed from Chelsea’s squad for a SECOND successive game.

Just two days after being dumped from Sunday’s Prem opener against Manchester City, the England winger, 29, has been excluded for today’s Conference League play-off with Servette.

The Blues welcome the Swiss side to Stamford Bridge for the opening of a two-legged tie that will determine if they will play European football this season.

And Sterling – who has three years left to run on his current Chelsea contract – will play no part.

Defenders Ben Chilwell, Tosin Adarabioyo and Wesley Fofana were also not included on Chelsea’s A-list submitted to Uefa.

But four wingers have been named ahead of Sterling – Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, Pedro Neto and Mykhailo Mudryk.

Sterling’s camp said in a statement before Sunday’s 2-0 defeat by City they wanted “clarity” over his future.

Chelsea have spent £185m on 11 signings this summer and their 43-man bloated squad sparked a series of hilarious memes on social media yesterday.

However, striker Armando Broja has agreed a move to Ipswich.

The Albania international will go on loan until the end of the season with a £30m option to buy.

Chilwell dropped down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge after a series of injuries over the last two campaigns.

Boss Maresca said: “The reason he did not play in our pre-season game against Inter was because, with Chilly it is quite clear, even though I love the way he is, the problem is, he is struggling a bit to find the right position.

“We had 22 players training and if you ask all of them they will say they want to play against City on Sunday. But that is impossible.

“I need to make a decision and probably it is better to leave and go and get minutes. The transfer window is open so we’ll see what happens.”

Chelsea currently have 43 first team players available for selection.

Maresca admitted the squad has to be trimmed before the transfer window closes.

Meanwhile, Reece James – who recently suffered a new hamstring injury – has been included in the list of available players to face Servette on Thursday night.

Elsewhere, star-boy Palmer returned to Manchester to claim the PFA Young Player of the Year award for the 2023/24 season – Sun.