Enzo Maresca says Cole Palmer will not be involved in Chelsea’s Champions League game against Atalanta in order to “protect” him following his recent return from injury.
Palmer has endured an injury-plagued season so far but returned to the starting line-up for the draw against Bournemouthon Saturday.
His comeback is being carefully managed and he has not travelled with the squad for Tuesday’s match.
Head coach Maresca explained: “Cole, it is part of his process in this moment.
“He’s not available. He can’t play two games in a row in three days so we’ve planned that and it’s just a way to protect him.”
Liam Delap will not be involved either, havinggone off with a shoulder injury against Bournemouth.
Chelsea are currently unsure when the striker will be available, but Maresca revealed: “Fortunately, he’s not got any fracture.
“That is good news for us. Now for how long he will be out, not sure to be honest.”
Reece James and Wesley Fofana, who played against Bournemouth and have also been managing their fitness, were included in the squad and could feature in Italy, where a win would further boost Chelsea’s chances of progressing to the last 16.
Maresca’s side are seventh in the Champions League table after five games.
The top eight qualify automatically for the next phase and teams finishing ninth to 24 will go into a play-off round.
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