Four Chelsea players missing from matchday programme ahead of Man City game after 'not being given squad numbers'

Conor Gallagher, Romelu Lukaku and two other Chelsea players have not been been listed as part of their squad ahead of Sunday's clash against Manchester City.

Enzo Maresca comes into his first league game in charge of Chelsea with a seriously bloated squad of 43 players, which includes six goalkeepers and six strikers.

As a result of splashing serious amounts of cash in previous transfers windows, the Blues have too many options, according to Maresca.

Speaking about the size of his squad, the Italian said: "At the moment if I start to think I have 43 players it is not a good thing, I have 28 training with me."

He added: "[Co-sporting directors] Paul [Winstanley] and Laurence [Stewart] are in charge of finding solutions for these guys, not me."

A number of high-profile players have been forced to train separately as a result of their oversized squad, including Kepa Arrizabalaga and Romelu Lukaku, who joined from Inter Milan in 2021 for £97.5 million.

In fact, Arrizabalaga and Lukaku have been left out of the squad named in Chelsea's matchday programme for the game against Manchester City, alongside Conor Gallagher and Armando Broja.

The above have yet to be allocated squad numbers, with Broja’s number 19 shirt going to summer signing Pedro Neto, who arrived from Wolves for £54 million.

Gallagher’s number 23 remains vacant as he waits on a move to Atletico Madrid.

Lesley Ugochukwu, who recently completed a season-long loan move to Southampton, also features in the squad list as matchday programmes are printed in advance, hence why Kalvin Phillips is still named as a Manchester City player.

A look at Chelsea's squad depth 🔵😮 pic.twitter.com/7UzrxcFNN8

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 18, 2024

Speaking about Conor Gallagher's availability earlier this week, Maresca said: "Conor is back. He is training apart. He is doing some medical tests and some training. He won't be involved in the game. At this moment, he is trying to find a solution with the club."

It looks like a number of players will leave Chelsea before the summer window slams shut. Napoli are said to be interested in bringing Lukaku and Kepa Arrizabalaga to the club, whilst Trevoh Chalobah is being linked with a move to Aston Villa.