COLE PALMER PULLS OUT OF ENGLAND SQUAD AFTER FRESH INJURY SETBACK

Chelsea forward Cole Palmer has withdrawn from the England squad after suffering a muscle injury, ruling him out of the Three Lions’ opening matches of the 2026–27 UEFA Nations League. Palmer was recalled by manager Thomas Tuchel on September 18 after being left out of England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, but his return to international football has now been cut short by the latest fitness setback.

The 24-year-old played the full 90 minutes for Chelsea in their 3-0 Premier League defeat to Brentford on Friday, the same day Tuchel named him among the 27 players selected for the upcoming international fixtures. Palmer had made a strong start to the new season before the injury, scoring four goals and providing two assists in seven appearances for Chelsea in all competitions.

Palmer’s withdrawal comes after an injury-disrupted 2025-26 campaign, which contributed to his omission from England’s World Cup squad. Tuchel had explained that the Chelsea playmaker deserved another opportunity after returning to form, pointing to his goals, assists and decisive performances as reasons for bringing him back into the national team setup.

England are scheduled to begin their Nations League campaign against newly crowned world champions Spain at Wembley on September 26. Tuchel’s side will then travel to Prague to face the Czech Republic on September 29 before taking on Croatia in Rijeka on October 3 and returning to Wembley for another meeting with the Czech Republic on October 6.

Palmer will instead remain focused on his recovery at Chelsea as the club manages his fitness during the extended international break. His absence is another setback for the midfielder after he had recently spoken positively about his physical condition and his desire to remain injury-free after last season’s problems. Chelsea will not return to Premier League action until October 10, when they host Bournemouth.