Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Cole Palmer is set for a long three weeks on the sidelines, with the Chelsea star forced to watch England four times during the break, when he could and probably should have been involved.
After missing out on the World Cup squad, Palmer will have been delighted to get the call-up from Thomas Tuchel ahead of a four-game international break. But Xabi Alonso and Chelsea had other ideas.
Reports say the reason for Palmer’s withdrawal was ‘load management’ and a small muscle injury. But the chances are, Alonso decided because he knows his Chelsea side are a lot poorer without Palmer.
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What Palmer is focusing on at Chelsea after England decision
It’s going to be a tough few weeks for Palmer now, who will be left wondering whether he will get another England call-up while Tuchel is manager. To do that, he needs to build on his Chelsea form.
Flash Scores say Palmer will be working on his conditioning, as he looks to put his injury hell behind him. He was still able to play last season, but not at 100%, which Alan Shearer said was a “horrible situation”.
Average but only because of the defence. Clearly our main issue which does not seem to be addressed. Simply has to get his best 3 at the back and let them play together continously. Everything ahead of them is working well
The report also says that Palmer will continue his learning of Xabi Alonso’s system in order to fit even better when Chelsea take on Bournemouth on October 10, immediately after the international break.
Is Cole Palmer’s future with England now in doubt?
Tuchel spoke of how Palmer had a point to prove after giving him a recall to the England side. Palmer has been effervescent this season, good in any success Chelsea have had. He more than deserved his recall.
But he is yet to deliver in an England shirt, and that needs to change. He won’t now until November, to the frustration of Tuchel. The change in international break from two games to four has clubs worried.
Tuchel will understand the decision, even if frustrated by it, and if he can continue his form ahead of November, there is every chance he is called up by Tuchel for England’s fixtures during the second break.