Chelsea playmaker Cole Palmer has withdrawn from England duty as he continues to manage his fitness, according to The Athletic.
The 24-year-old was recalled to the squad after missing the World Cup.
Manager Thomas Tuchel recently challenged Palmer to prove he deserves his place with the Three Lions, but he has chosen to take a cautious approach to his fitness.
Palmer is expected to sit out the international break as part of a plan to manage his workload.
He played the full 90 minutes during Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat to Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Friday, but will now use the break to focus on his physical condition.
Palmer struggled with repeated injury issues last season, but still played 34 games across all competitions. He bagged 11 goals and three assists.
However, thigh and hamstring problems prevented him from maintaining his best level consistently.
Tuchel had made it clear that Palmer needed to take his opportunity after being brought back into the England set-up.
“It is one thing to be nominated, like with Cole [Palmer], and getting your ticket back in the squad, but it’s another thing to perform for England,” Tuchel said.
“Cole needs to step up when he comes, and he needs to show these kinds of numbers to get his place, keep his shirt and justify the nomination.”
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has backed Palmer’s decision to take better care of his fitness.
The Spaniard believes he has learned from his recent injury problems and is now working hard to prevent further setbacks.
Palmer’s cautious approach is important for Chelsea as he looks to build consistency under Alonso.
While missing England duty may delay his chance to strengthen his position with the national team, protecting his fitness could allow him to return to club football in better condition.
Palmer has started the season in blistering form as part of a fearsome front three alongside Joao Pedro and England teammate Morgan Rogers.
He has tallied four goals and two assists in seven games this season.