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

Chelsea has announced their 27-man squad for the Europa Conference League group stages, and some notable names are missing. Cole Palmer, Wesley Fofana, and Romeo Lavia have been left out.

This decision was made to carefully manage the number of games players will have to compete in over the season, which could last until July 2025. The campaign includes the FIFA Club World Cup at the end of the season.

Palmer, a key player last season, has been dealing with muscle fatigue and even pulled out of England’s squad earlier this week. As for Lavia and Fofana, both players are still recovering from serious injuries, so Chelsea is being cautious with their involvement.

Chelsea qualified for the group stages of the Europa Conference League after defeating Swiss team Servette on aggregate. They won 2-0 at home and, despite a 2-1 loss away, advanced with a 3-2 scoreline overall.

The team has six group-stage matches ahead, starting with a game against Belgian side Gent on October 3. Other teams in their group include Panathinaikos from Greece, Noah from Armenia, Heidenheim from Germany, Astana from Kazakhstan, and Shamrock Rovers from Ireland.

Two young players, Tyrique George and Kiano Dyer, have made the final squad. In addition, new loan signing Jadon Sancho is also part of the team.

Here’s the full squad list for the 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