Cole Palmer has been left out of Chelsea’s European squad
In a shocking development Cole Palmer has been left out of Chelsea’s European squad for the Conference League.
Instead younger midfielders Cesare Casadei and Carney Chukwuemeka, and striker Marc Guiu have been selected in their place as the Blues look to spread minutes around fringe players in a competition they are strong favourites to win.
Left-back Chilwell has also been dropped and continues to be on the fringes at Stamford Bridge.
Manager Enzo Maresca has told the England defender he has no future at Chelsea and Chilwell has been offered to multiple Premier League clubs this summer.
Chilwell is unlikely to play for Chelsea again this season despite the club’s participation in the Premier League, Carabao Cup, FA Cup, Conference League and expanded Club World Cup in June 2025.
It is unclear if the 27-year-old will even train with Maresca’s first-team squad amid reports linking him with a move to Turkey where the transfer window remains open.
Chelsea have faced criticism for hoarding players
Chelsea have faced criticism for hoarding players during the transfer window, with 42 senior players on the books ar one point this summer.
Some have been sold, reducing the number to around 36 players, which includes some inexperienced academy players.
But the fact that Cole Palmer has been left out of Chelsea’s European squad will stir up more gossip of his departure from the London club, perhaps as early as January 2025.
Meanwhile, Tottenham have left defenders Djed Spence and Sergio Reguilon out of their Europa League squad.
They could only name 23 players instead of the usual 25 because of a lack of club-trained options.
Spence is back in the first-team fold after loan spells at Leeds and Genoa, but Reguilon could leave the club.