Chelsea have made the surprise decision to leave star forward Cole Palmer out of their UEFA Conference League squad.

Palmer has been more successful than any of the other signings the Blues have made in the last two years, scoring 25 goals off the back of his transfer from Manchester City.

But his name was missing when Chelsea published details of the 25-player squad chosen for the European competition – which is now locked in until February, after which up to three changes can be made. The Blues also opted to keep back Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavia for now.

It also isn’t a case of being on the ‘B’ list instead, which is more fluid. Palmer is a few months too old and also hasn’t been at Chelsea long enough in any case. Fofana is also too old, while Lavia has only been with the club since last summer rather than the required two years to be eligible.

Goalkeepers: Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen, Lucas Bergstrom.

Defenders: Axel Disasi, Marc Cucurella, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Reece James, Malo Gusto, Renato Veiga.

Midfielders: Enzo Fernandez, Noni Madueke, Carney Chukwuemeka, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Moises Caicedo, Cesare Casadei.

Forwards: Pedro Neto, Mykhailo Mudryk, Joao Felix, Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku, Jadon Sancho, Marc Guiu.

Chelsea named the following players on the ‘B’ list: Levi Colwill, Josh Acheampong, Kiano Dyer, Tyrique George, Harrison McMahon, Max Merrick.

Blues officials made the deliberate decision to preserve Palmer for other priorities. BBC Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella explained prior to official confirmation that it was taken due to “load management” to limit the amount of football that Palmer, Fofana and Lavia will be able to play.

In addition to the Conference League, Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup, Chelsea will also be participating in the revamped month-long FIFA Club World Cup across June and July – the result of winning the Champions League back in 2021. That makes it five competitions this season.

Conference League fixtures begin on 3 October with the visit of Gent. Chelsea will then go on to face Panathinaikos, Noah, Heidenheim, Astana and Shamrock Rovers across the league phase.

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