Cole Palmer has been left out of Chelsea’s team for the first round of the UEFA Conference League in order to limit the England star’s minutes in a season that might last until mid-July.
Romeo Lavia and Wesley Fofana were also apparently left out for “load management” concerns, with Chelsea scheduled to compete in a new extended Club World Cup in the United States from June 15 to July 13.
Palmer scored in England’s Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain only 33 days before the start of the Premier League season.
The 22-year-old has been removed from England’s Nations League squad for this week’s games against the Republic of Ireland and Finland.
The global footballers’ union FIFPro stated on Thursday that football’s regulatory bodies are “failing to meet their duty of care” to players by giving them adequate rest as many tournaments expand.
The union proposes establishing a guaranteed minimum amount of time off and even a maximum number of games for players.
Palmer appeared in 57 appearances for his club and nation last season.
The chairman of England’s Professional Footballers’ Association has mentioned the blistering form of Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah — both of whom had a summer off from international obligations — as evidence of the importance of break periods for players.
Chelsea will compete against Gent, Panathinaikos, FC Noah, Heidenheim, Astana, and Shamrock Rovers in the new league phase of UEFA’s third-tier European club competition.
Palmer might yet be added to the Blues’ roster in the later stages if Enzo Maresca’s team advances.