Cole Palmer needs to be “protected”, according to Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, who will be without the in-form England midfielder when they face Gent in the Conference League tomorrow night.
Palmer was omitted from the Chelsea squad for the first stage of the competition to manage his workload after coming off a busy debut season in senior football that culminated in him going to the European Championship with the Three Lions.
The 22-year-old has continued to shine this term, scoring four times in Saturday’s 4-2 defeat of Brighton and Maresca is eager to keep him fresh.
He said: “We played some games without Cole, but sure and for us, Cole is something extra that you need.
“We also need to think a bit to protect some players. They need that. There is a reason behind it and I think Cole needs to be protected.”
Chelsea’s big squad an advantage
Chelsea are certainly not short of options in attacking areas and will be able to field a strong side to take on the Belgians at Stamford Bridge with Maresca hinting it could be similar to the one that beat Barrow last week in the EFL Cup.
He added: “We try to share minutes with all of them. In this moment, probably, it looks like we have players that are playing in the Premier League and players playing in the cups; Conference, EFL or FA Cup.
“It’s not like this, in general it won’t be like this. We try to give them the opportunity.
“Last week, they all had a very good game. Hopefully tomorrow, we have a good game.”
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— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 30, 2024
Casadei to come in
Cesare Casadei is set to feature with Maresca impressed by the young Italian’s versatility.
“I think he did very well [against Barrow]. He struggled in the beginning but finished really well,” he said.
“I think he can cover different things, physicality, on the ball, off the ball, understanding how he has to move. He can give us good things.
“I was happy the other day and for sure we will see him in that position. He’s more box-to-box, he likes to attack, I had him last year in Leicester.”
Mudryk may also feature
Ukraine winger Mykhailo Mudryk is another player who has seen limited game time this season but he, too, will feature tomorrow night.
“I think he played from the start against Wolves in the Premier League, so we have given him some games, already. The other day he was on the bench. I said many times that they all want to play from the start but sometimes it’s not possible,” said Maresca.
“You have to take some decisions. Mykhailo against Barrow did really well. Hopefully he can have a good game tomorrow, but it’s not just about him. We can say the same about Christopher Nkunku. In football, things change quick.”
