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

Premier League

Chelsea

Wolverhampton

<p>Back in September, as the Blues prepared to open another continental campaign, the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/enzo-maresca-reveals-why-left-cole-palmer-out-chelsea-europa-conference-league-squad/blt1a56c6a67ee353a2" target="_blank">decision was taken to leave Palmer, Romeo Lavia and Wesley Fofana out of Maresca’s ranks</a> for the group stage of Conference League competition.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Chelsea’s head coach said at the time of that selection call, with <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/cole-palmer-challenge-heir-gianfranco-zola-eden-hazard-chelsea-england-star-1-billion-project/blt790e37115ac6faec" target="_blank">Palmer becoming a talismanic presence at Stamford Bridge</a>: "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."</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Chelsea have <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/chelsea-player-ratings-vs-shamrock-rovers-marc-guiu-josh-acheampong/bltdc8d844864475ca0" target="_blank">breezed into the Conference League last-16</a> 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.</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>Maresca has told <a href="https://x.com/footballontnt/status/1869872173776617585 " target="_blank"><em>TNT Sports</em></a> of that poser, with the Italian saying when asked about <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/cole-palmer-qualities-picked-out-better-than-jude-bellingham-phil-foden-chelsea-england-real-madrid-man-city/blt50f814d48154f232" target="_blank">bringing Palmer in for Thursday night football</a>: "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."</p>

WHAT MARESCA SAID

<p>Palmer <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/cole-palmer-trademark-goal-celebration-chelsea-star-millions/blte8fcb832e84dccfe" target="_blank">has been in typically "cold" form for Chelsea</a> 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 <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/cole-palmer-chelsea-x-factor-premier-league-titles/blt768d8c8fab46d08d" target="_blank">Premier League title dreams beginning to form again in west London</a>.</p>

WHAT NEXT?

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

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has explained his European plans for Cole Palmer, with there an option to add the England star to their Conference League squad.

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