Chelsea: England confirm Cole Palmer decision with fresh injury update ahead of World Cup qualifiers | OneFootball

Palmer was ruled out of Chelsea’s defeat to Arsenal on Sunday with a muscle issue

Absent: Cole Palmer has not joined up with the England squad

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Cole Palmer will miss England’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers, as he continues to be assessed after suffering up a muscle injury.

The Chelsea star missed his side’s defeat to Arsenal on Sunday, having picked up the issue in training ahead of the match, and Enzo Maresca revealed that Palmer was unlikely to be available for international duty.

"I don't think [he will be fit for England] to be honest," the Chelsea boss said.

"His injury is from yesterday's session. It's a muscular problem, the scan is planned for Monday morning."

Palmer was named in Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia, but he did not train on Tuesday and it has now been confirmed that the 22-year-old will not be involved in either matches, instead continuing his recovery at Cobham.

An England statement said: “A senior squad of 26 players will be joined by MU21 trio Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Adam Wharton and Liam Delap for this afternoon's training session at St. George's Park.

“Cole Palmer remains with Chelsea for further assessment on an injury sustained in training ahead of his club's fixture at Arsenal last Sunday.”

The match against Arsenal was the first Palmer has missed in the Premier League since April 2024.

The 22-year-old has 14 goals and six assists in the league this season, but he is on a run of ten matches in all competitions without scoring.

Maresca is hoping that some rare time off during the international break could help Palmer return to his best form.

"We don't wish for a player's injury but in Cole's case at this moment, probably give him some rest physically and mentally it could be good," Maresca said.