In a significant development for Chelsea Football Club, the club has announced that young midfielder Cole Palmer will not be included in their squad for the UEFA Conference League. This decision comes alongside the exclusion of centre-back Wesley Fofana and central midfielder Romeo Lavia. The announcement was made on Thursday as Chelsea unveiled their 29-man squad for the league phase of UEFA’s third-tier competition.
The squad, which features notable players such as Pedro Neto, Mykhailo Mudryk, and the newly acquired Jadon Sancho, is poised to compete in a challenging group that includes Gent, Panathinaikos, Armenia’s Noah, Bundesliga leaders Heidenheim, Astana, and Shamrock Rovers. Chelsea will have the opportunity to submit a revised squad list for the knockout phase of the tournament, scheduled to begin in February.
Last season, Palmer showcased his talent by appearing in 55 matches for both club and country. His campaign culminated in the Euro 2024 final against Spain where he made headlines by scoring England’s equalizer, although the team ultimately fell short in the tournament. Despite his impressive performances, Palmer’s omission from the Conference League squad raises questions about his current standing within the team and the club’s strategic direction.
Chelsea’s entry into the Conference League comes after a tumultuous period in which the club struggled to regain its former glory. Following their Champions League triumph in they finished sixth in the Premier League under former manager Mauricio Pochettino in the season, leading to his departure. Now under the management of Enzo Maresca, Chelsea currently sits in 11th place in the league after three games, signaling a need for a turnaround in form.
The inclusion of Jadon Sancho, who joined Chelsea as part of a dramatic transfer window, has added depth and skill to the squad. Sancho, a highly regarded winger, is expected to make a significant impact as the team seeks to improve its standing both domestically and in European competitions.
As Chelsea prepares for the upcoming Conference League matches, the focus will be on building a cohesive unit that can compete at the highest levels. The club is also guaranteed a spot in FIFA’s revamped Club World Cup, set to take place in the United States next summer, further emphasizing the importance of their performance in the coming months.
With the exclusion of Palmer, the team will need to rally and find its rhythm under Maresca’s leadership as they aim to reclaim their position as one of Europe’s elite clubs. The decisions made in the coming weeks could have lasting implications for the club’s future, and all eyes will be on Chelsea as they navigate this critical phase of the season.
