Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer during Chelsea's defeat to Brentford(Image: Harvey Murphy/News Images/NurPhoto)
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Xabi Alonso insists Cole Palmer remains committed to England after Thomas Tuchel's criticism - but spoke about the significance of the Chelsea star being fit enough to play.
Palmer pulled out of the latest England camp due a problem with his groin, an injury that plagued his 2025/26 campaign and ultimately saw him miss out on a spot in Tuchel's World Cup squad.
After the 24-year-old withdrew from the latest Three Lions group, Tuchel questioned the Chelsea attacker's commitment and said he "misses way too many camps". Palmer has played just three times since Tuchel took over in January 2025.
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Cole Palmer disagreement and Joao Pedro decision made - Chelsea line-ups for Bournemouth
Alonso, who declared Palmer fit for this afternoon's Premier League fixture between Chelsea and Bournemouth, does not believe the attacker has any issues with representing his country.
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Speaking on Friday afternoon, Alonso said: "He's committed but he needs to be fully fit to play and when he's fully fit he will enjoy his minutes. We need him in that moment, the club and the national team."
Palmer, sources say, did not take part in Chelsea's behind-closed-doors friendly defeat to Championship side Portsmouth last weekend. He spent a chunk of the recently-concluded international break in the Caribbean working on his fitness with a specialist coach before returning to the UK to prepare for the visit of the Cherries.
Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer pulled out of the England squad due to a muscular injury(Image: Harvey Murphy/News Images/NurPhoto)
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Bournemouth were one of the unfortunate sides who got stung with an injury to a key player during the break, with midfielder, and Chelsea target, Alex Scott expected to be out for the next "four or five weeks", according to head coach Marco Rose.
Scott was used by England in their 7-0 thumping of Croatia despite feeling something in his quadriceps prior to the match. In that regard, Alonso feels somewhat justified with Palmer pulling out of the squad.
The Blues boss said: "We were cautious, and he was cautious as well, he wanted to be.
"He wouldn't have played the way he wants to play. So it's sometimes better to take a step back and wait until you feel better and do it the right way.
"There is always a risk. With Morgan [Rogers] there was a risk. Nothing happened. With Jamie [Gittens], there was a risk. We've lost him for a few weeks. With Cole, it was the right decision."
Palmer is set to feature for Chelsea this afternoon, while his colleagues Moises Caicedo, Joao Pedro, Reece James and Marco Palestra have also been declared fit.
Caicedo is well renowned as one of the Premier League's best midfielders but the Ecuadorian has only played once this season - a 14-minute cameo against Brighton in August - due to a persistent calf injury.
Moises Caicedo in training
Moises Caicedo trained with Chelsea on Friday(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
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Alonso couldn't speak highly enough of the returning 24-year-old and believes his presence will give the rest of the team a psychological boost.
He said: "I think we are all happier when we see Moi on the pitch. Not just myself, but his teammates, they are happier.
"He's not just a great player. Everyone loves Moi because of how generous he is with his effort, how much he helps each of his team-mates, how important he is. Everyone is really happy to see him back."
Then, when asked by football.london whether it is fair to judge the Caicedo-less Chelsea in the opening seven games of the season due to his undeniable significance to the side, Alonso responded: "I'm not going to tell people how to judge, but you need to deal with injuries.
"I think all the things we do, but for sure Moi is going to play a very important role in the team because of the balance he gives, because of the many qualities he has. He’s in a moment where he needs to keep growing and keep learning.
"I'm very excited to work with him and have him on the pitch in each game, and seeing the good and bad things together to give him confidence. To make sure he's improving his game and understanding, and why to do the things. With the midfielders, I have a soft spot and with Moi, for sure."
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