Shock at Stamford Bridge: Chelsea Goalkeeper Stuns Team with Club World Cup Demand

A report has emerged revealing that Djordje Petrović requested exclusion from Chelsea's FIFA Club World Cup roster to concentrate on securing his future career path.

The Serbian goalkeeper was notably absent from the Blues' squad, along with several other prominent players including Axel Disasi, Ben Chilwell, Raheem Sterling and João Félix, who were all left behind when Chelsea announced their Club World Cup participants on Wednesday.

Many found this decision surprising, especially considering Petrović's successful loan stint with BlueCo-affiliated Strasbourg last season. There had been expectations that the Serbian international would travel with fellow goalkeepers Robert Sánchez, Filip Jörgensen and Mike Penders. Instead, American goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina has made the trip to the United States.

According to The Telegraph, Petrović himself initiated this arrangement after requesting to be left out of the traveling group. The 25-year-old goalkeeper is keen on securing a position as a first-choice keeper, and with Chelsea unable to promise him a starting role at Stamford Bridge, he's anticipated to depart from the club.

Sources indicate that relations between Petrović and Chelsea "remain good" and the club "understand his position". Strasbourg has expressed interest in acquiring him permanently, while several Premier League teams are also monitoring his situation.

Chelsea will now work toward facilitating a transfer for the goalkeeper, who will rejoin the Blues for pre-season training in July if he cannot finalize a move that would guarantee him regular first-team opportunities.

The London club had initially planned to include Petrović in their United States tour before his request, despite simultaneously pursuing AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan. However, negotiations for the French goalkeeper before the Club World Cup fell through due to the Italian club's financial demands.

It remains unclear whether Chelsea will pursue Maignan again, but they would need to create space for any new goalkeeping additions given they already have Sánchez, Jörgensen and the promising 19-year-old Penders in their ranks.