Chelsea have made notable changes to their UEFA Conference League squad, leaving out three significant players from their official 25-man list for the league phase. The club has opted not to include Cole Palmer, Wesley Fofana, and Romeo Lavia in their squad, citing “load management” as the primary reason for their exclusion.
The decision comes as Chelsea prepares to compete in the UEFA Conference League, where they will face a series of matches against Gent (home), Heidenheim (away), Astana (away), Shamrock Rovers (home), Panathinaikos (away), and Noah (home). These fixtures are part of the league phase, which poses a challenging schedule for the team.
Cole Palmer’s absence from the squad is particularly surprising, given his recent performances and potential impact on the team. Wesley Fofana, who has struggled with a serious knee injury for most of the 2023/2024 season, has recently returned to the squad for the 2024/2025 season. Chelsea’s decision to exclude him reflects their cautious approach to managing his fitness and ensuring his long-term health. Romeo Lavia, another key player, is also excluded as part of the club’s strategy to balance the workload across their squad.
The move highlights Chelsea’s strategic approach to managing player health and fitness throughout a demanding season. By carefully selecting their squad for the UEFA Conference League, the club aims to maintain peak performance levels and avoid overburdening their players.
