Raheem Sterling is left OUT of Graham Potter’s Chelsea squad to face Newcastle

Raheem Sterling has not been selected in Chelsea’s squad to face Newcastle.

The England star was named in Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad on Thursday but has not been included in Graham Potter’s plans at St James’ Park.

The Chelsea manager confirmed before the match that Sterling had been left out because of an illness. 

The England winger was named in Gareth Southgate’s 26-man World Cup squad on Thursday

According to beIN Sports, the illness should not affect Sterling’s participation at the World Cup.

Southgate is midway through watching a nervous final round of Premier League fixtures, as he continues to cross his fingers that there are no more injuries concerns ahead of next week.

Chelsea team-mates Ben Chilwell and Reece James missed out on Southgate’s 26-man squad due to injuries, while Mason Mount and Conor Gallagher were recalled by the England coach.

Sterling will miss a crucial match in the top four race as the Blues seek a win against in-form Newcastle, who sit six points ahead in the table.

Sterling’s team-mates Reece James (above) and Ben Chilwell have missed out through injury

Callum Wilson, who was also named in Southgate’s squad, started on the bench for Newcastle

English youngsters Trevoh Chalobah and Lewis Hall returned to Potter’s starting line-up after featuring in Chelsea’s Carabao Cup defeat by Manchester City in midweek, while Armando Broja, Edouard Mendy, Mateo Kovacic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Kalidou Koulibaly retained their places from the outset.

Captain Cesar Azpilicueta and midfield leader Jorginho came into the side, while summer signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was named on the bench.

Newcastle hitman Callum Wilson, whose late flurry of goals earned him a spot in England’s World Cup squad, has also missed out on a starting spot because of an illness, but unlike Sterling is among the substitutes.