Chelsea fans have just made the same prediction about their young player after it was announced that Cole Palmer is not listed in their squad for the Conference League group stages.
Chelsea confirmed yesterday that Cole Palmer, 22, is not in their squad for the Conference League.
The Blues talisman will not be available to play in the club’s six group stage matches in the European competition. Instead, he’s been afforded the extra time to rest. The same goes for senior teammates Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavia, too.
Palmer has already withdrawn from the England squad during this international break with an injury problem, so it looks like Chelsea are protecting their star player by omitting him from the Conference League.
Journalist Simon Phillips reports via Substack that Palmer has left England’s camp because of tightness in his groin, but Chelsea are actually optimistic he won’t miss any football for them.
- READ MORE: Trevoh Chalobah posts wordless reaction to Chelsea’s Cole Palmer being nominated for the Ballon d’Or
Chelsea fans predict Carney Chukwuemeka to fill Cole Palmer void
A selection of Chelsea supporters on social media have reacted to Palmer’s squad omission in the exact same way. Interestingly, they believe that young Blues talent Carney Chukwuemeka can shine in his asbence.
The 20-year-old attacking midfielder hasn’t played any minutes yet this season under Enzo Maresca, but it’s a boost to see him named in the Conference League squad.
Here are some Blues fans on X optimistic that Chukwuemeka will play as the No.10 in Europe:
One fan said: “Not having Cole in there is quite a gamble. Questions will be asked if we don’t qualify. Nice to see Carney back really want to see him play.”
Another wrote: “If anything – this is certain to mean Carney has a chance to get minutes in the pivot or as the 10. I’m happy with that.”
Another posted: “Chukwuemeka is still there. Why risk palmer that could be more useful for the fourth position?”
Carney Chukwuemeka needs minutes
It’s been frustrating that Chukwuemeka’s not made a single matchday squad yet this season. However, now that the summer transfer window is shut, he should definitely be reintegrated to the group and given minutes.
GiveMeSport claimed that Chelsea are shocked Chukwuemeka stayed with them beyond the summer.
Now that the English youngster is available for the Conference League, we agree that it could be a great platform for him to impress. Whether it’s as a No 8 or a No 10, Chukwuemeka has lots of potential and ability, so he should be getting minutes on the pitch.
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