_This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement._
**Chelsea legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has defended Cole Palmer after he withdrew from the England squad due to a [muscular injury](https://chelseanews.com/blog/chelsea-injury-news-cole-palmer-joao-pedro-2/).**
Several pundits and former players (including Alan Shearer) have questioned the 24-year-old’s decision to pull out of international duty.
However, Hasselbaink has made the very important point that Palmer has been very willing to play through fitness problems over the past year, so there must be a very good reason for his withdrawal:
“I don’t think that he is that kind of person to play games. The boy wants to play football. He’s all about his football. And let’s not forget, he played a lot of games in the previous years. And that’s why he was injured last year. And I think every little injury now, he just wants to look after himself properly so that he can have a good season.”
“So yeah, I do think that he’s injured. He’s got something. And let’s not forget, he also wants to give the right impression when he’s there with England and be the best that he can. And if he’s injured, he’s not going to do anybody justice.”
Hasselbaink has worked for England
----------------------------------
Some may point to the Dutchman’s Chelsea allegiances as a potential reason why he is being sympathetic to Palmer’s position.
However, Hasselbaink can see things from both sides. He was part of England’s backroom staff during Gareth Southgate’s time in charge of the Three Lions.
[Buy Chelsea tickets with P1 Travel here](https://fave.co/4hm5LVs)
Palmer played for Chelsea with “one leg” last season
----------------------------------------------------
The attacking midfielder sustained a major groin injury at the Club World Cup, and he decided to play the majority of the 2025/26 season without being 100% fit.
Speaking about the issue last month, Palmer likened it to playing on “one leg for 10 months”. That doesn’t sound like a player who would opt against playing for his country without a genuine reason.