Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Cole Palmer has been left out of the squad travelling to face Atalanta BC in the Champions League not because of a new injury, but as part of a carefully managed return-to-fitness plan.
Enzo Maresca explains why Cole Palmer left out of Chelsea squad for Atalanta trip
Palmer — 23 — has struggled with fitness this season, first missing a long spell due to a groin problem and later fracturing a toe at home.
He made his first start for the club since September in the recent goalless draw with AFC Bournemouth, but Maresca felt he was still not ready for back-to-back matches in a tight schedule.
The coach said, “Cole, he’s part of his process at the moment. He’s not available, he can’t play two games in a row in three days … so we planned that and it’s just a way to protect him.”
Instead of rushing him, Chelsea are giving him time to build up his match fitness gradually.
Malesca pointed out that although Palmer played around an hour against Bournemouth, the club must be cautious given his recent layoff and prevent any relapse.
In addition to Palmer, the club also confirmed that Liam Delap remains sidelined after a shoulder injury suffered against Bournemouth.
Maresca’s decision underscores the club’s priority: long-term fitness over short-term convenience.
With Atalanta looming, the manager opted to leave out any player whose physical condition remains fragile hoping that a careful recovery will preserve Palmer for more important fixtures ahead.
