Why Chelsea did not name Cole Palmer in their Conference League squad

Cole Palmer has been left out of Chelsea’s 27-man squad for the Europa Conference League group-stages.

Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavia are also notable absentees from the list which was confirmed on Thursday afternoon.

Chelsea made the decision in order to manage the number of games individuals may play in a season which began last month and could run until July 2025, with the FIFA Club World Cup also featuring at the end of the campaign.

Palmer was Chelsea’s key man last season, while central midfielder Lavia and centre-back Fofana are being protected after both suffering serious injuries over the last year.

Palmer pulled out of Lee Carsley’s first England squad this week due to muscle fatigue.

Enzo Maresca’s side qualified for the group-stage of the third tier of UEFA competition by beating Swiss side Servette on aggregate in the qualifying rounds.

After a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge, they lost 2-1 away from home but prevailed 3-2 on aggregate.

An impressive end to the season last term saw the Blues, then managed by Mauricio Pochettino, finish sixth. They are now braced for six one-legged ties in the group phase of the Conference League.

They begin against Gent of Belgium on October 3 before also facing Panathinaikos of Greece, Armenian side Noah, German outfit Heidenheim, Astana of Kazakhstan and finally Shamrock Rovers from Ireland.

Youngsters Tyrique George and Kiano Dyer have both made the final 27-man squad, as well as new loan signing Jadon Sancho.

Chelsea squad for Europa Conference League:

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