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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Palmer not in Conference League squad</li><li>Can be put in after league phase</li><li>Maresca says it is to protect youngster</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

'There is a reason' - Enzo Maresca reveals why he left Cole Palmer out of Chelsea's Europa Conference League squad

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<p>Maresca sparked confusion when <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/why-enzo-maresca-cole-palmer-wesley-fofana-romeo-lavia-chelsea-conference-league-squad/blt6330a9ca428322a5" target="_blank">Palmer's name was left out of the list of Chelsea players</a> for the group phase of the Europa Conference League this season. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-sg/lists/cole-palmer-ex-arsenal-star-copies-chelsea-forward-s-iconic-celebration-netting-for-lazio/bltac4a7fc8b82719a4" target="_blank">The Blues' most influential player </a>played almost every game last season and is being wrapped in cotton wool by his manager in an effort to keep him fit.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Speaking ahead of Chelsea's match against Gent, <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/cgeyrw41lext" target="_blank">Maresca said</a>: "We played some games without Cole, but sure and for us, Cole is something extra that you need. We also need to think a bit to protect some players. They need that. There is a reason behind it and I think Cole needs to be protected."</p>

WHAT MARESCA SAID

<p>Thankfully for Chelsea, there is time to edit their squad when the initial phase of the competition ends in January. This means - if he wants to -<a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/cole-palmer-frustrated-scoring-four-goals-chelsea-brighton-enzo-maresca/blt3f541ae985895e64" target="_blank"> Maresca can include Palmer</a> for the knockout stages, providing the Blues get there. </p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>With Palmer watching from the stands for Chelsea's match on Thursday, he will be refreshed and ready to go for their match against Nottingham Forest on Sunday. The 22-year-old <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/chelsea-player-ratings-vs-brighton-cole-palmer-robert-sanchez-premier-league/blt3ad90781527901fd" target="_blank">scored four times </a>against Brighton last weekend and will be hoping to replicate that feat this weekend.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA AND PALMER?

'There is a reason' - Enzo Maresca reveals why he left Cole Palmer out of Chelsea's Europa Conference League squad | Goal.com Kenya

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca says he left Cole Palmer out of the Europa Conference League squad to protect him.