Mauricio Pochettino has clarified that Raheem Sterling's absence from Chelsea's starting lineup is due to form and fitness, not fan pressure. The 29-year-old winger was booed by home supporters during a poor display against Leicester City before the international break and has not started since.
Sterling has made substitute appearances against Burnley and Manchester United and was an unused substitute at Sheffield United last Sunday. With a home game against Everton approaching, Pochettino insisted his decisions are based on player assessment.
“No, it's because we assess all the player's performance, and I think we need to be fair, or trying to be fair, and we gave the opportunity to Noni Madueke to play,” Pochettino told reporters. “And to put [Cole] Palmer in another position to find a good balance. It's only because I analyse the form of the player.”
Pochettino also revealed that Sterling has been suffering from back pain and a virus, causing him to miss training. “He sent a text this morning to the doctor saying that he was vomiting,” Pochettino added. “He's not been training since after Sheffield because he suffered a little bit in his back also. We need to assess and see.”
