Enzo Maresca has backed his decision to leave Cole Palmer out of the Chelsea squad for the Conference League group stages.The Blues take on Gent at Stamford Bridge on Thursday but will be without

Speaking ahead of Chelsea's match against Gent, Maresca said: "We played some games without Cole, but sure and for us, Cole is something extra that you need. We also need to think

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca feels Cole Palmer is a player that "needs to be protected" but insists his side are not dependent on the midfielder. Palmer was not named in the Chelsea squad for the Europa Conference League group stages and will have the night off when the Blues open up against Gent at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.