Chelsea’s top scorer this season, Cole Palmer, has been officially added to the club’s UEFA Conference League squad as they prepare for the second phase of the tournament. The 22-year-old, who was surprisingly left out of the squad for the group stage, is now set to play a key role in the knockout rounds.
Palmer was initially omitted alongside Romeo Lavia and Wesley Fofana, both of whom remain unavailable due to long-term injuries. However, Chelsea has made several squad adjustments, bringing in Trevoh Chalobah, who was recalled from his loan spell at Crystal Palace, and Mathis Amougou, a promising young midfielder signed in January.
Why Palmer Has Been Included Now
The decision to include Palmer in the revised squad was influenced by several departures from Chelsea’s ranks. João Félix, who was part of the initial squad, has left on loan to AC Milan, while others such as Axel Disasi, Renato Veiga, Carney Chukwuemeka, and Cesare Casadei have also exited the club. With these players no longer available, Chelsea had to make changes, and Palmer’s impressive form made his selection an easy decision.
Palmer has been one of Chelsea’s standout players this season, playing a crucial role in their attack. His ability to score and create goals has been vital for Enzo Maresca’s side, making his inclusion a boost as they aim to lift the Conference League trophy.
Chelsea’s Strong Group Stage Performance
Despite Palmer’s absence in the early rounds, Chelsea dominated their group, winning all six of their matches to finish at the top of the standings. Their flawless performance has cemented them as one of the favorites to win the tournament.
However, the Blues have suffered another setback with the injury of Marc Guiu, one of their top-performing young forwards. Guiu’s injury adds to Maresca’s growing concerns as the club navigates a busy schedule in both domestic and European competitions.
With Palmer now available for selection, Chelsea will hope to maintain their strong form as they enter the knockout phase, with their sights set on securing silverware.
Chelsea’s Updated Conference League Squad
Goalkeepers
- Robert Sánchez (ESP, 27)
- Filip Jørgensen (SWE, 22)
- Lucas Bergström (FIN, 22)
- Max Merrick (ENG, 19) B-list
Defenders
- Marc Cucurella (ESP, 26)
- Tosin Adarabioyo (ENG, 27)
- Benoît Badiashile (FRA, 23)
- Levi Colwill (ENG, 21)
- Trevoh Chalobah (ENG, 25)
- Reece James (ENG, 25)
- Malo Gusto (FRA, 21)
- Joshua Acheampong (ENG, 18) B-list
- Richard Olise (FRA, 20) B-list
- Harrison Murray-Campbell (ENG, 18) B-list
- Kaiden Wilson (ENG, 19) B-list
Midfielders
- Enzo Fernández (ARG, 24)
- Noni Madueke (ENG, 22)
- Cole Palmer (ENG, 22)
- Christopher Nkunku (FRA, 27)
- Jadon Sancho (ENG, 24)
- Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (ENG, 26)
- Moises Caicedo (ECU, 23)
- Tyrique George (ENG, 19) B-list
- Kiano Dyer (ENG, 18) B-list
- Mathis Amougou (FRA, 19)
- Harvey Vale (ENG, 21) B-list
- Harrison McMahon (ENG, 19) B-list
- Samuel Rak-Sakyi (ENG, 19) B-list
Forwards
- Pedro Neto (POR, 24)
- Mykhailo Mudryk (UKR, 24)
- Nicolas Jackson (SEN, 23)
- Marc Guiu (ESP, 19) – Injured
- Ato Ampah (ENG, 18) B-list
- Shumaira Mheuka (ENG, 17) B-list
Head Coach
- Enzo Maresca
This squad consists of players registered for the knockout phase, including additions and exclusions from the group stage. Players marked with B-list are homegrown talents who meet UEFA’s eligibility requirements for additional squad registration.
Chelsea will begin their knockout stage campaign in the coming weeks, with expectations high for a deep run in the tournament.
