Cole Palmer has been excluded from Chelsea’s squad for the opening stages of the UEFA Conference League as part of an effort to manage the England star’s playing time during a season that could stretch until mid-July.
Romeo Lavia and Wesley Fofana were also omitted, reportedly due to “load management” concerns, as Chelsea prepares for 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 loss to Spain just 33 days before the Premier League season began, recently withdrew from the England squad for this week’s Nations League matches against the Republic of Ireland and Finland.
Global footballers’ union FIFPro criticized football’s governing bodies on Thursday, stating they are “failing to meet their duty of care” by not allowing players adequate rest, especially as tournaments continue to expand. The union has proposed implementing mandatory minimum rest periods and limiting the number of matches players can participate in.
Palmer played 57 matches for club and country last season.
The head of England’s Professional Footballers’ Association highlighted the stellar form of Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, both of whom benefited from a summer free of international commitments, as evidence of the positive impact rest can have on players.
Chelsea are set to compete against Gent, Panathinaikos, FC Noah, Heidenheim, Astana, and Shamrock Rovers in the new league phase of UEFA’s third-tier competition. Palmer could still be added to the squad for the later stages if Enzo Maresca’s team advances.