Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Cole Palmer has endured a tricky 12 months. The Chelsea playmaker entered the 2025-26 season with the world at his feet but by the end of it, he failed to win a place in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad.
After three summers without a rest after the Under-21 Championships in 2023, Euro 2024 and then the Club World Cup with Chelsea, fatigue got the better of Palmer. It saw his groin cause havoc last term.
The England star had to continue playing while injured. A situation Alan Shearer described as “horrible”, having done something similar during his career. Palmer admitted he couldn’t even shoot for a period.
READ MORE: Alan Shearer cannot believe what he’s been seeing from Chelsea in recent weeks
Sam Allardyce orders Cole Palmer to improve off the pitch
Now, Palmer has withdrawn from the England squad. It is claimed that Palmer himself is disappointed with the decision not to be able to represent the Three Lions, with Chelsea seemingly making the choice.
Chelsea have also taken Joao Pedro out of the Brazil squad, while ruling out Reece James and Moises Caicedo from playing for their countries. Chelsea described the decision as “load management”.
Aston Villa FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Podcast, Sam Allardyce weighed in on the circus surrounding Palmer and believes that the Chelsea no.10 needs to start looking after himself better to avoid injury off the pitch.
“This is such a talented player, at a point where he decides how long he wants to stay in a game. Time he changed. Might be completely wrong; I don’t know, but [it’s time] he started looking after himself better.”
Xabi Alonso shows loyalty to Chelsea and Palmer must abide
Palmer might be frustrated; England might be frustrated. But there will always be a space in this England side for the Chelsea talent, even if he has withdrawn from the four-game, extended international break.
Ultimately, Chelsea fans should be delighted. Palmer has just endured an entire season plagued by an injury that allowed him to play, but not to his best ability. It is crucial to Chelsea that Palmer remains fit.
The Blues cannot afford Palmer jetting off and playing in four matches, whether he starts or gets subbed on, when injury is only just behind him. Alonso has shown loyalty to Chelsea, Palmer must accept it.