Chelsea's Raheem Sterling is set to return to England's World Cup camp in Qatar ahead of the quarter-final clash against France. The 28-year-old temporarily left to fly home and will now rejoin the squad in Al Wakrah on Friday, December 9.
A spokesperson for the England footballer said he left the Three Lions' camp to "prioritise the wellbeing" of his three young children. Surrey Police are continuing their investigation into the burglary incident as Sterling now prepares to fly back to Qatar.
The FA released a statement on Sterling's decision to return to the Middle East ahead of England's World Cup clash against France, which read: "Raheem Sterling will return to England's World Cup base in Qatar. The Chelsea forward temporarily left to attend to a family matter but is now expected to rejoin the squad in Al Wakrah on Friday (9 December) ahead of the quarter-final with France."
READ MORE: Police investigating Raheem Sterling break-in arrest two men on suspicion of separate offence
Surrey Police have said that two men remain in custody having been arrested on Tuesday night in connection with a separate attempted burglary, with enquiries ongoing. The statement reads: "Two men were arrested on suspicion of attempted burglary last night (December 6) in the Oxshott area. They are currently in custody.
"Following reports of suspicious activity around 6.40pm, a number of resources were deployed, including the dog unit and the police helicopter. Our colleagues from British Transport Police also provided assistance.
"At this time these arrests are not being linked to an ongoing investigation into a burglary which received significant media coverage over the weekend. That separate investigation remains ongoing and as of 12pm on Wednesday, December 7 no arrests have been made in connection with that.
"Officers are carrying out enquiries into the circumstances and the investigation remains on going."
After their 3-0 win over Senegal, England manager Gareth Southgate confirmed that Sterling was set to fly back to England to check on his family. The England boss said: "He's going to go and deal with that matter then we'll have to deal with that matter then we'll have to take it from there."
When asked about the circumstances afterwards, he added: "The priority for him is to be with his family. We're going to support that and leave him to have as much time as he needs. He's going home. I don't want to put him under pressure. Sometimes football isn't the most important thing, family should come first."
It was unclear whether the 28-year-old would return but it now seems Sterling will be available for the clash against France on Saturday, December 10. Jordan Henderson and Kalidou Koulibaly were among those to send messages of support to the Blues winger after hearing about the burglary incident and Sterling's return will be a huge boost to Southgate's squad as they prepare to face the reigning world champions.
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