Cole Palmer has been left out of Chelsea’s squad for the UEFA Conference League and football.london takes a look at the key reason why that decision has been made
Cole Palmer is amongst a number of notable absentees from Chelsea's 27-man UEFA Conference League squad that was confirmed on Thursday afternoon.
The 22-year-old won last season's Player of the Season award at the club but has not been included in the squad for the upcoming league phase up to and including the final. Palmer was the most notable absentee fmo the squad when it was announced on Thursday afternoon, with Romeo Lavia and Wesley Fofana, who have both recently returned from long-term injuries, also not included in the 27-man list.
Palmer was Chelsea's top scorer last season and won the Premier League Young Player of the Year award. He already has one goal and four assists in three games this season and leaving him out of the squad is a huge call from new head coach Enzo Maresca.
football.london understands the decision has been taken in relation to load management. Chelsea are set to compete in five different competitions this season - and that could potentially run until July 2025. Maresca is trying to manage some of his star players' minutes.
In the squad, though, is new signing Jadon Sancho. The 24-year-old was signed on loan from Manchester United in the early hours of Saturday morning after Chelsea submitted a deal sheet to complete the move past the 11pm transfer deadline on Friday night.
Likewise, Joao Felix is involved after not being in the squad for the two matches against Servette last month. On the B-list are the likes of Tyrique George, Kiano Dyer and Levi Colwill.
Josh Acheampong has also been included in the squad with the 18-year-old continuing to impress for the club's Development Squad. Below is the squad in full:
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Goalkeepers: Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen, Lucas Bergstrom
Defenders: Axel Disasi, Marc Cucurella, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill, Reece James, Malo Gusto, Josh Acheampong, Renato Veiga
Midfielders: Enzo Fernandez, Noni Madueke, Carney Chukwuemeka, Christopher Nkunku, Jadon Sancho, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Moises Caicedo, Cesare Casadei, Tyrique George, Kiano Dyer
Attackers: Pedro Neto, Mykhailo Mudryk, Joao Felix, Nicolas Jackson, Marc Guiu
If Chelsea are to reach the knockout phases of the competition, then they are allowed to register a maximum of three new eligible players during the winter.
