Injury Update as Chelsea Midfielder “Not on the Pitch” Yet | OneFootball

Chelsea’s Cole Palmer Ruled Out of England Duty as Tuchel Offers Injury Update

England reshuffle as Tuchel confirms Palmer’s absence

Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer will miss England’s March internationals after Thomas Tuchel confirmed the 22-year-old is unfit to feature during the break. The former Blues boss, now leading England, revealed Palmer had not trained with Chelsea and would therefore not be risked for England fixtures.

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“Cole will not be with us,” Tuchel told reporters. “He was not on the pitch with Chelsea. We’ve waited quite a while now for feedback and for the chance, maybe, to call him up. But he’s not on the pitch and not available. It makes no sense to call him up now.”

Palmer’s withdrawal follows a frustrating fortnight for the Chelsea star. Initially sidelined with illness, his absence from the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal was later attributed to a muscle issue – an injury that Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca admitted was likely to cost him his international involvement.

Palmer’s injury monitored closely at Cobham

Rather than join up with England, Palmer has remained at Chelsea’s Cobham training base, where he underwent a second scan on the injury. As reported by The Guardian, the club are determined to fully understand the nature of the problem before committing to a recovery timeline for one of their standout performers this season.

Despite concerns, early signs point to a relatively minor setback. There is growing optimism among Chelsea staff and supporters that Palmer will return after the international break, just in time for the crucial clash with Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on 3 April.

Palmer’s dip in form reflects wider Chelsea concerns

Palmer’s recent dip in front of goal has mirrored Chelsea’s broader attacking struggles. With Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke – the club’s second and third top scorers – both sidelined for spells, Palmer has often been left to shoulder the creative burden alone.

Still, the England international’s influence remains undisputed. His goal in the Euro 2024 final against Spain sealed a place in national folklore and underlined why his absence is felt both by club and country.

Tuchel steadies England camp

For Tuchel, Palmer’s omission comes as a blow but not a disruption. With all 26 remaining squad members in training, the former Champions League-winning coach can count on continuity as England prepare for a vital qualification window.

“We stay with this group that we have. Everybody is in training today, all 26 players, so it gives us the full choice,” he added.

Morgan Gibbs-White, of Nottingham Forest, has been called up in Palmer’s place. The midfielder will now look to make his mark under Tuchel’s new England regime.