The Bizarre Reason New Chelsea Signing Tosin Adarabioyo Was Left Out of Europa Conference League Squad
The Chelsea fans could not help but feel bemused at the Europa Conference League team sheet against Servette after summer signing Tosin Adarabioyo was omitted. Exclusion of the former Fulham defender, signed on a free transfer by Chelsea, has left some eyebrows raised as he looks to be a great opportunity to solidify the Chelsea defense in European competitions.
Many had expected Adarabioyo to make a switch to Chelsea after performing so well for Fulham, where he turned out 132 times in four years. His switch across west London was supposed to be a shrewd piece of business for Blues, providing depth in defense. Most fans and pundits were puzzled when his name was not on the 22-man squad for the European tie.
Things got even more interesting when it emerged that another of Chelsea's key players, Raheem Sterling, had also been left out of the squad. Sterling's omission came 24 hours after he failed to make Chelsea's starting lineup in the weekend clash with Manchester City, which has newspapers reporting fiercely as well about the England international's future at Stamford Bridge.
However, it later emerged what the mystery was behind Adarabioyo's exclusion from the squad. It was nothing less than an 'admin error'. The admitted mistake was quickly corrected, and the error was made good with Adarabioyo back in the squad just a day after the original team sheet had been released.
While this was expected to be an administrative blunder that created some temporary drama, it really did illustrate how key Adarabioyo is valued as part of the Chelsea setup. Now that he has been officially registered in the Europa Conference League squad, Chelsea fans will get the chance to see him in action as the Blues go on with their European campaign.
Now, attention turns back to the pitch for Adarabioyo, who will report for duty to help Chelsea in their charge towards European success. As for Sterling, his continued omission will only further spark debate on his involvement in the team, with the next important match now only days away.
