Benjamin Mendy's rape trial jury are told that defender's Manchester City team-mates Riyad Mahrez, Jack Grealish, John Stones and Kyle Walker could be called up as witnesses, while new Chelsea signing Raheem Sterling may be referred to in proceedings

Four of Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy's team-mates could be called as witnesses in the sexual offences trial at Chester Crown Court.

Mendy has pleaded not guilty to eight counts of rape, one count of attempted rape and one count of sexual assault on seven women aged between 17 and 29, with the trial expected to start on Monday.

Potential jurors were on Wednesday asked if they had connections with four City stars – Riyad Mahrez, Jack Grealish, John Stones, Kyle Walker – who could be referred to in the case or called to provide evidence.

Manchester City's Benjamin Mendy leaves Chester Crown Court on Wednesday

Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling, who moved to Stamford Bridge from the Premier League champions for £50million this summer, was also mentioned in court as potentially being named during the proceedings.

Fourteen jurors, of eight men and six women, were sworn in ahead of a trial that is scheduled to last 15 weeks. Two jurors will be discharged following the opening of the case.

The jury panel were also asked if they had any connections to City or Manchester United.

Mendy, 28, arrived at court in a blue suit and stood in the dock with an interpreter and fellow defendant Louis Saha Matturie.

Matturie, 40, of Eccles, Salford, has denied eight counts of rape and four counts of sexual assault relating to eight women.

Mendy allegedly attacked the women during parties at his Prestbury mansion over a three-year period from 2018.

The France international was suspended by City after being charged by police in August 2021.