WHY HAS COLE PALMER BEEN LEFT OUT OF CHELSEA'S UEFA EUROPA CONFERENCE LEAGUE SQUAD?

The England international is a noteworthy absence for the Blues, but there is a likely reason behind the decision to keep him out in the cold.

Cole Palmer has been left out of Chelsea's squad for the upcoming UEFA Europa Conference League campaign, just a day after he was nominated for the Ballon d'Or.

The England international, who helped the Blues return to continental football with his performances last term, will play no part in their adventures across Europe this season.

It is a blow for the playmaker, who starred in the UEFA Euro 2024 final off the bench, but there are reasons for Enzo Maresca's decision to leave him out in the cold.

Here's why Cole Palmer will play no part in the UEFA Europa Conference League for Chelsea.

Why has Cole Palmer been left out of Chelsea's UEFA Europa Conference League squad?

Palmer, along with Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavia, are the key names from Chelsea's first team that have been omitted with one eye on player load management.

Amid a revised European schedule, the Blues will also compete in an expanded FIFA Club World Cup next June, qualifying through their 2021 UEFA Champions League triumph.

If they are successful, it will mean a deep run into mid-July, effectively negating any off-season for the club's players, who will compete in five competitions this term.

The decision to leave Palmer out effectively suggests Maresca has one eye on the star being integral to Chelsea's domestic hopes, as well as next year's major tournament.

Can Cole Palmer be added back into Chelsea's UEFA Europa Conference League squad?

Up to three players can be added to Chelsea's UEFA Conference League squad in January, as rules allow for new signings to be included for teams still in Europe.

However, these slots are generally assumed to be for players who are fresh arrivals at the club, meaning that Cole Palmer's participation is unlikely to happen regardless.

Why are there limits to squad sizes for UEFA competitions?

Effectively, limits to squad sizes for UEFA competitions are intended to ensure fair play, meaning that no side with excessively large teams can field all their star players.

Many clubs operate smaller squads, and seldom have the need to leave players out, but Chelsea's excess of faces means they have needed to make some choices this year.

What are Chelsea's UEFA Europa Conference League fixtures?

Thursday, October 3: Gent (H)

Thursday, October 24: Panathinaikos (A)

Thursday, November 7: Noah (H)

Thursday, November 28: 1. FC Heidenheim (A)

Thursday, December 12: Astana (A)

Thursday, December 19: Shamrock Rovers (H)

- Andrew Steel