Cole Palmer has been omitted from Chelsea’s squad for the early stages of the UEFA Europa Conference League as the club aims to manage the England star’s workload for what could be a grueling season extending into mid-July.
Alongside Palmer, Romeo Lavia and Wesley Fofana have also been left out due to “load management” considerations. Chelsea will also participate in the newly expanded Club World Cup in the United States, scheduled from June 15 to July 13.
Palmer, who scored in England’s Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain just 33 days before the Premier League season kicked off, has withdrawn from the England squad for Nations League matches against the Republic of Ireland and Finland this week.
The global footballers’ union FIFPro criticized football’s governing bodies on Thursday for “failing to meet their duty of care” by not allowing players sufficient rest amid the expanding tournament schedules. The union has called for a guaranteed minimum rest period and a cap on the number of games players can participate in.
Palmer played 57 matches for club and country last season, underscoring the need for rest. The head of England’s Professional Footballers’ Association highlighted the positive impact of rest on players, citing Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, who benefited from a summer off from international duties.
Chelsea’s Europa Conference League group includes Gent, Panathinaikos, FC Noah, Heidenheim, Astana, and Shamrock Rovers. Palmer could still be included in the squad for the latter stages of the competition if Chelsea progresses.
