Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca decided to exclude Cole Palmer from Chelsea’s Europa Conference League squad.

Aside Cole Palmer, Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavia were also excluded from the Conference League squad.

Enzo Maresca was asked about his decision, and he said it was to protect the trio.

“The reason why Cole, Wes and Romeo are out of the squad in the Europa Conference League is just to protect them a little bit,” Maresca responded.

“For Wes and Romeo, it’s a bit different because they came from long injuries from last year.

“For Cole, it’s a mix in terms of being a very tough season for him, in terms of an intense season last year, and we try just to protect him.”