Chelsea has decided to exclude young English star Cole Palmer from their squad for the initial stages of the UEFA Conference League to ensure proper load management for the player.
The 22-year-old, who played 57 matches for club and country last season, has withdrawn from the England squad for Nations League matches this week.
Chelsea’s decision comes amid growing concerns about player burnout and the increasing number of football matches throughout the season.
The club is also set to participate in the expanded Club World Cup in the United States, which runs from June 15 to July 13.
The Global Union of Professional Footballers (FIFPro) has criticized football’s governing bodies for failing to address the issue of player well-being and ensure adequate rest periods.
The union has suggested implementing a guaranteed minimum amount of time off and potentially even limiting the number of games players can participate in.
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The head of England’s Professional Footballers’ Association has pointed to the success of Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, who both enjoyed a summer break from international commitments, as evidence of the benefits of rest for players.
Chelsea’s decision to leave Palmer out of the Conference League squad is a precautionary measure to ensure that the player is fresh and ready for the club’s other commitments throughout the season.
While Palmer may still be added to the squad for the later stages of the competition if Chelsea advances, the club’s priority is to manage his workload and maintain his long-term fitness.