Yemi Olakitan
Chelsea FC has received a timely boost ahead of their UEFA Conference League last-16 tie against FC Copenhagen, with manager Enzo Maresca confirming the inclusion of midfielder Cole Palmer and defender Trevoh Chalobah in the traveling squad.
Palmer’s return to European competition is particularly noteworthy, marking his first appearance since the qualifiers in August. The 22-year-old has been instrumental in Chelsea’s domestic campaign, amassing 14 goals and six assists this season. Despite a recent seven-match goal drought, Maresca expressed confidence in Palmer’s contributions, stating he remains “satisfied with his performance.”
Chalobah’s availability adds depth to Chelsea’s defensive options, a welcome development as the team navigates a congested fixture schedule. Additionally, new signing Mathis Amougou has been registered for the knockout stages, potentially making his European debut for the Blues.
In a strategic move to manage player workloads, Maresca has opted to rest defender Wesley Fofana and midfielder Romeo Lavia for this fixture. The manager emphasized the importance of “player protection” while acknowledging the significance of the Conference League alongside Premier League commitments.
Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez is set to make his competition debut, stepping in for Filip Jorgensen. This decision underscores Maresca’s approach to squad rotation, aiming to maintain competitiveness across all fronts.
Chelsea’s journey to the knockout stages has been impressive, with the team finishing the league phase with a perfect record, scoring 26 goals and conceding only five. However, recent form has been inconsistent, with three losses in their last four matches across all competitions. The upcoming clash against Copenhagen presents an opportunity for the Blues to regain momentum and reaffirm their status as tournament favorites.
Reflecting on the team’s ambitions, defender Marc Cucurella emphasized the necessity of embracing their role as frontrunners in the competition. He highlighted the importance of maintaining a winning mentality and the imperative to secure silverware under the new ownership of Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.
As Chelsea prepares for the first leg in Denmark, the return of key players like Palmer and Chalobah, combined with strategic squad management, positions them favorably to advance in the tournament. The match against FC Copenhagen is scheduled for Thursday, March 6, with the return fixture set for the following week at Stamford Bridge.
