Raheem Sterling is currently unable to train with new club Feyenoord due to work permit rules. The England winger completed a shock move to the Dutch side earlier this week having had his contract with Chelsea cancelled during the January transfer window.

Having not played a minute for the Blues so far this season, he would understandably be keen to get back on the pitch. But it has not quite panned out that way for Sterling.

According to talkSPORT, he is not yet able to train with his new teammates as Feyenoord await his work permit. Until that arrives, the 31-year-old is unable to train or play for the Eredivisie side.

Speaking after his move was made official, Sterling said: “As a free agent, I've had, for the first time in a long time, the opportunity to control the next step in my career. I wanted to take my time to speak with clubs and their Head Coaches to better understand the role they envisioned for me and ensure that I can add real value in this next chapter.

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“Having spoken in great detail with CEO Dennis te Kloese and Robin, I'm confident that Feyenoord is a place I can be happy and establish myself as a valued member of the team. Playing abroad is a whole new challenge for me - and one I’m ready to embrace.

“Honestly, I’m just excited to get started. To Feyenoord and particularly Robin and Dennis, thank you for your patience and professionalism as I navigated this process.”

Meanwhile, Feyenoord boss Robin van Persie said: “Naturally it’s a fantastic feat that we’ve managed to convince a player of Raheem’s calibre to sign with us. His football resume speaks for itself: he’s a player whose qualities can change the outcome of a game without a doubt, and I am convinced he will turn out to be a valuable addition to the team as we work towards achieving our goals in the second half of this season.”

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Feyenoord will certainly be keen to see Sterling in action sooner rather than later. Van Persie’s side sit second in the Eredivisie but are already 17 points behind current leaders PSV.

They are next back in action at the weekend as they take on Go Ahead Eagles at home, a game that looks likely to come too soon for Sterling. His next chance to appear could potentially come next weekend as Feyenoord take on Telstar.

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