Cole Palmer was overlooked of Chelsea’s Europa Convention League squad as a result of he “must be protected”, Blues head coach Enzo Maresca has confirmed.
The England worldwide was probably the most notable exclusion from Maresca’s 23-man celebration, with Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavia had been different gamers not included.
Palmer, who had extra direct objective involvements (33) than every other participant within the Premier League final season, has constructed on that momentum this time period.
The 22-year-old grew to become the primary participant in Premier League historical past to attain 4 targets earlier than half-time in a single sport, together with his quadruple throughout Saturday’s 4-2 victory over Brighton.
And Maresca defined the reasoning behind Palmer’s absence, forward of Chelsea’s Convention League opener in opposition to Gent at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.
Our #UECL marketing campaign begins this Thursday.pic.twitter.com/vmmuc0Fa6T
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 30, 2024
“We performed some video games with out Cole, however certain and for us, Cole is one thing additional that you just want,” he instructed reporters at his pre-match press convention.
“We additionally have to suppose a bit to guard some gamers. They want that. There’s a motive behind it, and I believe Cole must be protected.”
Chelsea will have the ability to amend their squad when the league section of the Convention League ends in January, that means Palmer may very well be included for the knockout phases, ought to they make it that far.
The Blues can even face Panathinaikos, Noah, Heidenheim, Astana and Shamrock Rovers throughout the preliminary stage of the competitors.
