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Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Cole Palmer won’t play any part against Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup quarter-final.
The Blues take on the Bluebirds on the road on Tuesday night and ahead of the game, Maresca has revealed that Palmer will be rested.
The Englishman has just returned from a lengthy groin problem and he is unlikely to play in a third game in the space of just one week.
Speaking to reporters, Maresca said: “We need to protect him now. Cole can’t play three games in one week.”
Chelsea are clear favourites to beat Cardiff away from home. Maresca could be tempted to make wholesale changes to the starting XI.
The likes of Josh Acheampong, Estevao Willian and Moises Caicedo could feature from the off. The latter was suspended last weekend.
After Cardiff, the Blues need to prepare for a tough outing against Newcastle United in the Premier League at St James’ Park.
