Cole Palmer one of three big names left OUT of Chelsea’s Uefa Conference League squad

COLE PALMER has been left out of Chelsea’s Uefa Conference League squad.

The England star, 22, has not been named in Enzo Maresca‘s 27-man squad for the tournament.

Palmer isn’t the only big name in Chelsea‘s inflated squad who is likely to miss out on European football this season either.

Both Romeo Lavia and Wesley Fofana have also been snubbed for the chance to play in Uefa‘s third string competition.

The trio appear to be important players for Maresca with Palmer widely regarded as the Blues’ best star after his stunning campaign last term.

However, their absence may echo that sentiment with initial reports suggesting the omissions are with an eye to manage to load that each player has this season.

Chelsea will be hoping to compete on all fronts this season in Europe, both the domestic cups and the Premier League.

While there is also an eye on the new Club World Cup in America which takes place from June 15 to July 13.

There could still be a chance for Lavia, Palmer and Fofana to play in the Conference League this season though.

That’s because Chelsea are able to add three more players to their squad following the initial league phase of the tournament.

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So should the London club advance into the latter stages then Maresca may then call the big name trio up to the squad.

The Stamford Bridge outfit will play Gent, Panathinaikos, FC Noah, Heidenheim, FC Astana and Shamrock Rovers during the league phase of the competition.

Their clash with Panathinaikos next month is sandwiched between Premier League games against Liverpool and Newcastle, while their FC Noah match will be in-between battles with Arsenal and Man Utd.

That busy schedule of tough head-to-heads could be one reason why Maresca has excluded some of his best talents.

Chelsea will still have plenty of options for the Conference league with stars such as Christopher Nkunku, Enzo Fernandez, Noni Madueke and new arrival Jadon Sancho all included in the 27-strong squad.