Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images
On Monday morning, it emerged that Cole Palmer was withdrawing from the England squad ahead of the extended international break. While that may worry Chelsea fans, it’s a blessing in disguise.
England star Palmer was recalled by former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel this month, after the England gaffer left him out of his World Cup squad in the summer. England play four times during the break.
The Three Lions face the Czech Republic both home and away in the Nations League, while also taking on Spain and Croatia. However, David Ornstein reported on Monday that Palmer is due to withdraw.
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Why Cole Palmer is withdrawing from the England squad
Palmer has started six of seven games for Chelsea this season, in both the Premier League and the Carabao Cup. He has been named in the starting line-up in all five of Xabi Alonso’s five league matches.
Only two Chelsea players are in the top 100 among the Premier League for distance covered, and one of those is Palmer. The other is his best pal, Morgan Rogers. Rogers sits 20th, Palmer is currently in 50th.
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Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Having played 90 minutes in four of those five, he was withdrawn on 83 minutes during the 3-0 loss at Brentford. According to Ornstein, it is claimed that Palmer is withdrawing due to a small muscle injury.
It is believed Chelsea have taken this course of action to manage his load and make sure he is ready to go against Bournemouth after the break. The substitution might be a smart bit of management from Alonso.
It gives Chelsea proof that they are not simply making something up, which has caused friction between clubs and England before. But if there is an injury, it is a blessing in disguise for Chelsea and Alonso.
Palmer’s small muscle injury is a boost for Chelsea and Alonso
An injury to Palmer is the last thing Alonso needs right now. But a minor injury that can be dealt with during a three-week break, and prevents him from playing four games for England? That’s a victory.
They are not small, low-energy games either. These are tricky games against the World Champions, a physical Czech Republic side and a Croatia team that scored twice against England at the World Cup.
The players involved will exert plenty of energy over the next few weeks, and with Chelsea keeping an eye on Palmer’s fitness after his “horrible” situation last season, the minor muscle issue is actually a big win.