Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca says he left Cole Palmer out of the Europa Conference League squad to protect him.

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Palmer not in Conference League squadCan be put in after league phaseMaresca says it is to protect youngsterFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Maresca sparked confusion when Palmer's name was left out of the list of Chelsea players for the group phase of the Europa Conference League this season. The Blues' most influential player played almost every game last season and is being wrapped in cotton wool by his manager in an effort to keep him fit.

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Speaking ahead of Chelsea's match against Gent, Maresca said: "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."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Thankfully for Chelsea, there is time to edit their squad when the initial phase of the competition ends in January. This means – if he wants to – Maresca can include Palmer for the knockout stages, providing the Blues get there.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA AND PALMER?

With Palmer watching from the stands for Chelsea's match on Thursday, he will be refreshed and ready to go for their match against Nottingham Forest on Sunday. The 22-year-old scored four times against Brighton last weekend and will be hoping to replicate that feat this weekend.