Cole Palmer among three big-name players left out of Chelsea’s Europa Conference League squad

Cole Palmer has been left out of Chelsea’s Europa Conference League squad for the league phase of the competition.

The decision has made been made with load management in mind, with the Blues facing the prospect of competing in five competitions this season.

Romeo Lavia and Wesley Fofana have also been left out.

Palmer has been Chelsea‘s best player since arriving from Manchester City last term.

In his first season at Stamford Bridge, the 22-year-old scored 25 goals and provided 15 assists in a standout campaign.

And he’s carried on where he left off in the new 2024/25 season, with one goal and four assists to his name from three Premier League fixtures so far.

As a result of his performances last year, Palmer was called up to England’s Euro 2024 squad and even scored in the Euro 2024 final against Spain.

Since then, he’s also been named on the 30-man Ballon d’Or shortlist alongside stars such as Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland and Vinicius Jr.

Chelsea are through to the league phase of the European competition after beating Servette 3-2 over two legs in the playoff round.

As a result they qualified for the Conference League league phase where they will face six fixtures before the prospect of reaching the knockout stage of the competition.

Those matches are against Gent, Panathinaikos, Noah, Heidenheim, Astana and Shamrock Rovers.

Should Chelsea reach the knockout rounds, Enzo Maresca would be able to add a maximum of three players during the winter period.

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If the Blues were to prosper in all competitions this season, they face the prospect of an 80-game season.

As well as their 38-game Premier League campaign, Chelsea will compete in the FA Cup, EFL Cup and Europa Conference League.

They’ll then take part in the 32-team Club World Cup next summer which runs from 15 June to 13 July 2025.