Chelsea have excluded Conor Gallagher, Armando Broja, and Romelu Lukaku from their matchday programme squad for their clash with Manchester City.
The trio were notably absent from the extensive squad list on the back of the booklet, as they continue to seek exits from Stamford Bridge this summer.
The Blues have distanced all three from first-team activities, with Chelsea citing their omission as due to the fact that they have not been allocated squad numbers for the season.
Broja, who previously wore the number 19 shirt, has seen his number reassigned to new signing Pedro Neto.
Meanwhile, Gallagher (23) and Lukaku (9) have not had their numbers taken by anyone else.
Interestingly, Trevoh Chalobah – another player reportedly set to leave – was still listed in the programme, having been handed the number 14 shirt for the season.
Gallagher’s situation has drawn significant attention.
A Chelsea player since the age of eight, Gallagher even captained the side multiple times last season.
Despite being offered a new contract by the club, the England international was dissatisfied with the two-year deal, especially when compared to the longer-term contracts being handed to his teammates.
Earlier in the transfer window, a bid from Aston Villa for Gallagher was accepted, but the midfielder declined the move.
More recently, Chelsea agreed to a £35 million transfer bid from Atletico Madrid.
As a result, Gallagher has returned to the UK and continues to train away from the first team, awaiting further developments.
Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara has weighed in on the situation, criticising Chelsea’s handling of the player.
Speaking on talkSPORT, O’Hara suggested it would be a “huge mistake” for the club to let Gallagher go.
“I think it’s a disgrace. They’re letting him go.
“He’s a captain of the football club, works his tail off, loves the team.
“Everyone likes him and he gives everything on the football pitch.
“You’ll never see him go missing on the football pitch.
“What he lacks in quality, he makes up for in heart and desire.
“I think they’re making a mistake getting rid of players like that.”
Armando Broja is currently being pursued by Ipswich Town, with the forward considering several options regarding his next career move.
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