Cole Palmer: Why Chelsea Star Has Been Dropped From Conference League Squad

• Cole Palmer will be a conspicuous absentee when Chelsea open their Conference League campaign against Gent
• Palmer was omitted from Chelsea's squad that will play in the league phase of Europe's third-tier competition
• Chelsea will be aiming to become the first club to win all the UEFA club trophies after past successes in other competitions

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Chelsea will begin their Conference League campaign on Thursday evening when they welcome Belgian side Gent to Stamford Bridge.

It will be the first time the two-time Champions League winners will take part in the not-so-old UEFA competition.

Why are Chelsea playing in the Conference League?

The Blues finished sixth in the Premier League last season under Mauricio Pochettino. Given that Liverpool had finished in the top four after winning the Carabao Cup, sixth place would have been enough for a Europa League spot.

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They were, however, relegated to the Conference League after eighth-placed Manchester United beat Manchester City to win the FA Cup. Winning the FA Cup in England earns you a place in Europe's second-tier competition.

Therefore, Chelsea were condemned to the Conference League, where they had to overcome Swiss side Servette in the playoffs to qualify for the league stage (formerly group stage).

Why Cole Palmer was dropped from Conference League

But as Enzo Maresca takes his official managerial bow in Europe, he will do so without his most important player, Cole Palmer.

The Italian head coach decided to omit his star player from the squad, which will play the six league phase matches, to lessen his workload.

"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," he said as quoted by BeIN Sports.

Palmer has started this season the same way he ended the last campaign. He has so far racked up six goals and four assists in the Premier League. Chelsea will submit a new list of players for the knockout phase next year.

After Gent, the West Londoners will play Panathinaikos, Noah, Heidenheim, Astana and Shamrock Rovers.

Madueke's message to Palmer

At the same time, YEN.com.gh has reported that Noni Madueke sent a cheeky message to Palmer after the latter scored four goals against Brighton.

Palmer became the first player in the Premier League to score four goals in the first half of a game.

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Source: TUKO.co.ke