Date: 3rd October 2024 at 2:22pm
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Chelsea begin their UEFA Conference League campaign when they welcome Belgian side Genk to Stamford Bridge on Thursday night. 

The Blues cruised to a 4-2 win over Brighton and Hove Albion in their latest Premier League outing on Saturday, with Cole Palmer scoring all four goals before half-time.

Palmer won’t be involved in Thursday’s game against Genk, having been left out of Enzo Maresca’s squad for the group phase of the competition in an effort to ease his workload.

Another player that won’t be involved is left-back Ben Chilwell, who was also omitted from the squad after being deemed surplus to requirements by Maresca.

The England international made his first appearance of the season during the Blues’ 5-0 win over Barrow in the Carabao Cup last week, but it appears that he is still set to leave Stamford Bridge in January.

Chilwell has played just once for Chelsea so far this season

As per Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea’s plan is still to offload Chilwell when the transfer window reopens in January.

The 27-year-old joined the Blues from Leicester City in 2020 and immediately established himself as the first choice left-back at the club.

He has been plagued by injuries over the past few seasons, though, missing more than 60 games due to various ailments.

In total, the defender has played 107 times for Chelsea across all competitions, winning the Champions League and UEFA Super Cup.

Chilwell’s current contract with Chelsea runs until the end of the 2026/27 campaign, but Romano suggests that he is one of a number of players likely to leave Stamford Bridge during the January window.

In Chilwell’s absence and with Marc Cucurella likely to be rested, Renato Vega could start at left-back against Genk.

 
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