Cole Palmer has been sidelined for far too long, and Chelsea fans will be desperate to see the England star back in action.
Chelsea can be fairly satisfied with their standing in the league after going without their star man for most of the campaign.
Palmer was expected to return for Barcelona in what will be a massive Champions League clash. Unfortunately, the latest Palmer update was bad news, suggesting he won’t be back that soon.
Despite the Chelsea man’s woes, those with their ear to the ground at Stamford Bridge are optimistic about the Englishman’s return and his chances of going to the World Cup.
Cole Palmer before England game
Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Chelsea insiders insist Cole Palmer is in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup plans
They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, but many have been speculating this week over whether Palmer missing another international break could be detrimental to his chances with the England team.
Tuchel himself warned Palmer about competition for places in his England squad, adding more fuel to the fire.
But a recent Telegraph report may ease concerns slightly.
Matt Law writes: “Tuchel has warned that he will not be able to pick all the No 10s at his disposal. For some, that has put a question mark against Palmer’s inclusion.
“But Tuchel has kept in contact with the player and Chelsea during his injury, which has maintained optimism that the 23-year-old remains very much in the plans of the England head coach.
“Stamford Bridge insiders remain insistent that they believe Palmer will go to the World Cup if he is fit and the player’s desperation to go has been made evident to those around him.”
Palmer is a player who lives for big moments, and there are none bigger than the World Cup.
Time to kill the narrative of Palmer being left out
If Tuchel was to leave Palmer at home in June, it would be as bold a call as an England manager has made. This is inarguably one of the most talented players available to the German, and the idea of him being left out in the cold is hard to fathom.
Palmer will be on the plane barring any more injuries. Anything else is ludicrous.
We saw how effective he can be at the Euros, where he made more of an impact than most despite not starting a single game.
Not only does Tuchel have to bring Palmer, he has to start him. Chelsea bias aside, Palmer has that X-factor. The same as Lamine Yamal for Spain, or Arda Guler for Turkey.
They can make magic happen, and sometimes magic is required to win the World Cup.