Cole Palmer has been omitted from Chelsea's squad for their Champions League match against Atalanta in Bergamo. The fixture, slated for Tuesday evening, marks the final Champions League match of the calendar year.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca confirmed that Palmer is being rested as part of a carefully managed recovery plan following a recent groin injury that sidelined him for nearly two months. Palmer, who was nominated for the Ballon d'Or this year, finishing eighth, has only recently returned to action, featuring in Chelsea's last two Premier League matches. Maresca emphasized that Palmer is not yet ready to play two games within a three-day period, and the decision to leave him out is a precautionary measure to ensure his long-term fitness. Despite missing the Champions League clash, Palmer is expected to be available for selection against Everton in the Premier League over the weekend.

"Cole, it's part of his process at the moment," Maresca stated, highlighting the plan to protect the player.

In Palmer's absence, Maresca will have to reshuffle his attacking options. The Chelsea squad has already been hit with several injuries, with Liam Delap also sidelined after suffering a shoulder injury in the recent match against Bournemouth. Delap joins Levi Colwill, Romeo Lavia, and Dario Essugo on the injury list. Maresca acknowledged Delap's importance to the team, particularly his need for game time to improve his fitness.

However, it's not all bad news for Chelsea, as Moises Caicedo returns to the squad after serving a domestic suspension. His availability will provide a boost to Chelsea's midfield. Other notable players traveling to Italy include Enzo Fernandez, Marc Cucurella, Estevao Willian and Reece James. Maresca also indicated that Wesley Fofana is available for selection.

Chelsea and Atalanta are currently level on points in the Champions League table, with both teams having three wins, one draw, and one loss. Chelsea sits seventh in the league phase standings, with ten points, the same as Atalanta, who are tenth.

Chelsea's confirmed traveling squad includes goalkeepers Filip Jorgensen, Max Merrick, and Robert Sanchez; defenders Josh Acheampong, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, Marc Cucurella, Wesley Fofana, Malo Gusto, Jorrel Hato, and Reece James; midfielders Facundo Buonanotte, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, and Andrey Santos; and forwards Alejandro Garnacho, Tyrique George, Jamie Gittens, Marc Guiu, Pedro Neto, Joao Pedro, and Estevao Willian.

The match against Atalanta marks Chelsea's 100th away game in the European Cup/Champions League. Of their previous 99 matches, they have won 41, making them the English team with the most victories in their first 100 games. However, Chelsea has struggled in recent away Champions League matches, failing to win any of their last four.

Maresca and one of his players are scheduled to hold a pre-match press conference, which will be broadcast live on the Chelsea Official App and website.