Cole Palmer to the Conference League? Enzo Maresca reveals whether Chelsea will add 'cold' superstar to European squad after initial omission

Back in September, as the Blues prepared to open another continental campaign, the decision was taken to leave Palmer, Romeo Lavia and Wesley Fofana out of Maresca’s ranks for the group stage of Conference League competition.

Chelsea’s head coach said at the time of that selection call, with Palmer becoming a talismanic presence at Stamford Bridge: "He had a very busy last year, from City to here, playing many games, then he didn’t come with us on pre-season because he finished quite late [because of Euro 2024]. We are trying to protect the players and give them the right minutes at the right moment."

Chelsea have breezed into the Conference League last-16 without the need to call upon Palmer, with maximum points taken from six fixtures. They must now decide whether revisions will be made to their squad heading into the knockout rounds.

Maresca has told TNT Sports of that poser, with the Italian saying when asked about bringing Palmer in for Thursday night football: "Depends on January. In January we don't want to sell players, but players who are not playing a lot will be a bit unhappy. It depends on what happens in January and then we decide. This competition will be up until March and then we have the FA Cup. The players have to be ready as they are going to play."

Palmer has been in typically "cold" form for Chelsea this season, with the 22-year-old playmaker registering 11 goals and six assists through 18 appearances. His workload will continue to be managed carefully as the Blues compete on multiple fronts – with Premier League title dreams beginning to form again in west London.