Cole Palmer is one of three big names to be left out of Chelsea’s Europa Conference League squad.
The Blues are set to compete in Europe’s third tier in 2024-25 despite finishing sixth in the Premier League under Mauricio Pochettino last season.
Manchester United’s FA Cup win relegated the West London club to the competition, while the Red Devils took their Europa League spot.
Chelsea came through a play-off against Swiss side Servette in August, beating them 3-2 on aggregate.
Palmer was called on to ensure safe passage for Enzo Maresca’s men, but he will not be available for the league phase when it gets underway.
The 22-year-old – alongside Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavia – are all not included in the final submitted list.
BREAKING: Chelsea leave out Cole Palmer from their Europa Conference League squad 🚨 pic.twitter.com/LfDpCAHFUW
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) September 5, 2024
Reports suggest it is to manage the players’ workload in what is going to be an intense season.
Lavia and Fofana have both struggled with injuries over the last 12 months, while Palmer played almost every minute for the Blues.
They could return for the knockout phase of the Conference League though.
Clubs can make a maximum of three changes to their squad in February, assuming they progress.
With Chelsea’s huge squad depth after another summer of spending, they should be well covered to compete without Palmer and Co.
They are heavy favourites to win the competition and follow in West Ham’s footsteps from a few years ago.
