Why Cole Palmer and two other Chelsea superstars have been left out of their Europa Conference League squad
Do you agree with Enzo Maresca's decision?
Chelsea qualified for the UEFA Conference League proper last week, after defeating Swiss side Servette 3-2 on aggregate in a Play-off tie.
While the side was able to call upon the talents of England international Cole Palmer in both legs of the Play-off, they won’t be able to do so in the next phase against the likes of Gent, Astana and Shamrock Rovers.
The 22-year-old forward has already cemented himself as one of Enzo Maresca’s most important players, having started all three of Chelsea’s Premier League games this season. Palmer also scored a controversial goal against Wolves that many feel shouldn’t have stood.
Cole Palmer left out of Conference League squad due to ‘load management’
It’s for this reason that Maresca has seemingly chosen to hold Palmer, Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavia – back from the UEFA Conference League, as Fabrizio Romano explains.
According to the transfer insider, Palmer, Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavia have all been left out of the European squad due to ‘load management’.
The Blues’ season could finish as late as July 2025, with a summer FIFA Club World Cup on the horizon. With this in mind, several young players are expected to have their minutes managed in a bid to stave off injuries.
In the case of Fofana and Lavia, injuries are a huge concern, with both players having spent extended time on the sidelines in recent years.
Lavia – who has already struck up a good relationship with manager Maresca – missed almost the entirety of the 2023/24 season due to ankle and hamstring injuries.
Why Chelsea’s season probably won’t end until July
The first summer edition of the FIFA Club World Cup is regarded as one of the main reasons why the Chelsea trio have been left out of the Conference League squad.
The Premier League side have already qualified for next year’s revised competition – which normally takes place in December – by virtue of winning the 2020/21 UEFA Champions League.
Under the new rules, 32 teams will play in the tournament, which will take place in the US in June and July next summer.
The expanded format has been heavily criticised by the World Leagues Association, which is considering taking legal action against FIFA – according to The Athletic.
Manchester City are slated to join Chelsea at next year’s competition after winning the 2022/23 edition of the UEFA Champions League.
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