Chelsea left out Cole Palmer from UEFA Europa Conference League

Shocking news came from Chelsea in preparing its squad for the UEFA Europa Conference League. Names such as Cole Palmer, Romeo Lavia and Wesley Fofana, were not included in the event. The Blues are playing in Europe's third tier this season after a disappointing campaign under Mauricio Pochettino last term.

Enzo Maresca's side had previously qualified for the group stages after a thrilling 3-2 aggregate win over Servette last week. After a breakthrough 12 months, in which he has established himself as an integral part of Chelsea's attack and become an England international, the Blues are understood to be keeping a close eye on Palmer's condition.

Meanwhile, Fofana and Lavia have endured a difficult year through injury and Enzo Maresca is keen to take a cautious approach with two players who look set to excel under his tutelage. Chelsea can make a maximum of three substitutions for the knockout stages, assuming they qualify, when they re-list their squad on 6 February 2025.

According to Sky Sports, Palmer was one of the first names on the Blues' list to be brought in, but they have a large squad and the Conference League competition offers the opportunity to give some much-needed game time to their fringe players. It is undeniable that this season the Blues are playing in various competitions besides the Conference League such as the Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup.

The Conference League fixtures begin on October 2 with a visit to Gent. 

Chelsea will then face Panathinaikos, Noah, Heidenheim, Astana and Shamrock Rovers in their next group-stage matches.