Palmer misses Chelsea's Champions League clash with Atalanta

Cole Palmer is set to sit out Chelsea's Champions League match against Atalanta on Tuesday, with manager Enzo Maresca aiming to preserve the forward who has faced multiple injuries.

Maresca announced on Monday that Palmer has been omitted from Chelsea's team for the trip to Bergamo, as part of his ongoing recovery from a two month absence.

Palmer first dealt with a groin injury, followed by a broken toe from accidentally colliding with a door at his home.

The 23 year old returned to the starting lineup for Chelsea since September during the 0 0 draw away to Bournemouth on Saturday, and Maresca prefers not to jeopardise his fitness for the Atalanta encounter.

"Cole is currently in a recovery phase at this stage. He remains unavailable and cannot feature in two matches within three days," Maresca explained.

"We arranged this beforehand, simply to safeguard his well being."

Liam Delap is also unavailable after sustaining a shoulder injury against Bournemouth, yet Maresca shared optimistic news regarding the frequently injured forward.

"For Liam, luckily no fracture occurred, which is welcome relief," the Italian manager noted.

"As for the duration of his absence, we lack certainty right now, frankly."

Delap had previously been sidelined for two months this season due to a hamstring issue.

The lack of Delap will not lead to Raheem Sterling's return, as the player continues to be excluded, much like Axel Disasi.

England's Sterling and France's Disasi have trained separately from the main group since they failed to depart Chelsea in the summer transfer period.

"Concerning Raheem, it mirrors what I mentioned about Axel, they remain Chelsea players," Maresca remarked.

"We are now in December, with January approaching, so various developments remain possible, naturally."

Chelsea's defenders Reece James and Wesley Fofana are likewise having their playing time monitored after extended injury lay offs, but both joined the squad in Italy.

"Reece and Wes travelled with us, meaning both can feature in tomorrow's match," Maresca confirmed.

Chelsea winger Alejandro Garnacho appears poised to start, having integrated smoothly following his summer transfer from Manchester United.

"At times in life, altering circumstances helps to progress or enhance one's abilities as a footballer," the Argentine commented.

"I felt it was the ideal timing, plus the suitable team. Thus, it proved a simple choice."

Chelsea enter the fixture in seventh place in the Champions League standings, after securing a 3 0 victory over Barcelona at Stamford Bridge in their prior group stage outing.