Cole Palmer has been excluded from Chelsea’s squad for the initial stages of the UEFA Conference League as part of an effort to manage his playing time.
The decision comes as the England international could have a season extending to mid-July due to Chelsea’s participation in the newly expanded Club World Cup in the United States, scheduled from June 15 to July 13.
Romeo Lavia and Wesley Fofana have also been left out of the squad, reportedly due to “load management” considerations. Palmer, who scored in England’s Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain just 33 days before the Premier League season began, has withdrawn from the England squad for upcoming Nations League fixtures against the Republic of Ireland and Finland.
FIFPro, the global footballers’ union, criticized football’s governing bodies on Thursday for “failing to meet their duty of care” by not providing adequate rest as tournaments expand. The union advocates for a guaranteed minimum amount of rest and a maximum number of games for players.
Palmer played 57 matches for club and country last season. The head of England’s Professional Footballers’ Association pointed to the successful seasons of Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, who had a summer off from international duties, as evidence of the benefits of rest periods.
Chelsea will compete against Gent, Panathinaikos, FC Noah, Heidenheim, Astana, and Shamrock Rovers in the group stage of the UEFA Conference League. Palmer may be included in the squad for the later stages if Chelsea advances.
