Why isn't Cole Palmer playing for Chelsea against Gent tonight? English star absent from Europa Conference League despite goalscoring records

Chelsea will be without talisman Cole Palmer for their Europa Conference League opener against Genk, live on talkSPORT.

The England international you will lose the opportunity to continue building his record-breaking exploits in the Premier League when the Blues return to Europe.

Palmer received widespread praise after scoring a staggering FOUR goals in the first half of Chelsea 4-2 victory over Brighton.

Last season's Premier League Young Player of the Year has I already put a marker to fight for the main gong this campaign, with six goals and four assists in just six games.

The only games in which Palmer's influence has not been felt this season were the club's Conference League playoff victory over Servette in August.

England Euro 2024 The final scorer played as a substitute in both games of the 3-2 aggregate victory against the Swiss team.

However, he will not get the chance to score his first European goal since arriving at Stamford Bridge when Chelsea play Gentleman.

Why doesn't Palmer play against Gent?

Palmer is not eligible to play for Chelsea during the Conference League group stage having been eliminated from his team in the league phase.

The midfielder was left out Enzo Maresca taking into account load management and cannot be added back to a UEFA ready until the winter period.

Should the Blues prosper in all five potential competitions this season, Palmer's team-mates face the prospect of an 80-game season.

In addition to their 38-game Premier League campaign, Chelsea will compete in the FA Cup, EFL Cup and European conference league.

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The West Londoners then participate in the team of 32 Club World Cup next summer which will run from June to July 2025.

Palmer has already battled muscle fatigue this season, after limping out of Chelsea's 2-0 win over Servette. with a hamstring problem.

That discomfort forced him to withdraw from Lee Carsley's England first team during the September international break.

As a result, Maresca made the decision to reduce Palmer's workload to avoid further muscle problems for the remainder of the season.

Chelsea vs Gent: team news

Chelsea XI: Jorgensen; Disasi, Tosin, Badiasile, Veiga; Casadei, Dewsbury-Hall; Pedro Neto, Félix, Nkunku, Mudryk.

Substitutes: Sánchez, Bergstrom; Cucurella, Colwill; Caicedo, Fernández, Dyer; Madueke, George, Guiu

Chelsea vs Gent: talkSPORT coverage

This Europa Conference League clash will take place on Thursday, October 3.

Kick-off at Stamford Bridge is scheduled for 8:00 p.m.

talkSPORT 2 will have live coverage from west London, with commentary from Joe Shennan and the former Chelsea defender. Scott Minto.

To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 via the website, click HERE for the live stream.

You can also listen through the talkSPORT appon DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

talkSPORT.com will also have you covered in our dedicated live blog.

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