Chelsea update Conference League squad: Palmer, Chalobah, Amougou in; Lavia, Fofana out | OneFootball

Chelsea have made key adjustments to their UEFA Europa Conference League squad, with Cole Palmer, Trevoh Chalobah, and Mathis Amougou added to the list ahead of the knockout rounds.

Meanwhile, Romeo Lavia and Wesley Fofana are out as the Blues look to refine their options for the latter stages of the competition.

Palmer’s inclusion comes as no surprise. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca felt he had enough firepower to see them through the league phase. They came out unscathed, winning all six games and topping the table.

However, with Joao Felix off to AC Milan on loan, Chelsea had a hole to plug and have called upon their 22-year-old talisman as they bid to bring European silverware to Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.

Chalobah’s return is a boost for the Blues, with the defence having struggled with injuries this season. Benoit Badiashile has been out of action since December 8, and Wesley Fofana may not play football again this season. The versatile Chalobah adds depth to Chelsea’s defensive set-up.

Young talent Amougou’s inclusion is also not surprising, with the Blues letting Cesare Casadei leave. Casadei has been anchoring the Chelsea midfield in Europe, and 17-year-old Amougu might get a chance to strut his stuff.

Unfortunately, with Lavia still weeks away from a return as Maresca confirmed today, the Belgian international has been left off the roster.

Lavia has endured a frustrating start to life at Stamford Bridge following his move from Southampton. He has managed only a few appearances this season due to fitness setbacks.

Fofana continues his recovery from a long-term knee injury that has kept the France international sidelined for a chunk of the campaign.

Chelsea will now turn their attention to the Conference League knockout stages, where they will look to assert their dominance and challenge for the trophy.