Injury Forces Cole Palmer Out of England’s Nations League Squad

Chelsea forward Cole Palmer has withdrawn from England’s squad for the opening fixtures of the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League after suffering a muscle injury.

Palmer was recalled to the England squad by manager Thomas Tuchel on Friday, September 18, after being left out of the Three Lions’ squad for the 2026 World Cup.

However, his latest injury means he will miss England’s September and October international matches.

According to Sky Sports, Palmer withdrew from the squad because of a muscle problem.

The 24-year-old featured for the full 90 minutes for Chelsea in their 3-0 Premier League defeat to Brentford on Friday, the same day Tuchel announced his 27-man squad for the Nations League campaign.

Palmer had enjoyed a productive start to the new season before the injury setback, recording four goals and two assists in seven appearances for Chelsea.

His return to the England setup had been viewed as an opportunity to re-establish himself under Tuchel following his omission from the World Cup squad.

Explaining his decision to recall the Chelsea forward, Tuchel said Palmer had improved his numbers and was contributing with assists and decisive goals.

“Cole has his numbers back. Assists, decisive goals. I think he has a point to prove,” Tuchel said.

Palmer had also spoken positively about his physical condition before the latest injury, saying he felt better physically than he had in a long time.

“Physically I feel good, probably the best I’ve felt in ages, but I think I can get fitter with games and more minutes,” he said.

He added that he had been working consistently since returning from injury in an effort to prevent further setbacks.

“Since I’ve come back I’ve been working every day to obviously stop it happening again. I just want to stay injury free, and if I’m on the pitch then I know what I can do,” Palmer said.

England are scheduled to begin their Nations League campaign against Spain at Wembley on Saturday, September 26, before travelling to Prague to face Czechia on Tuesday, September 29.

The Three Lions will then travel to Croatia for their third fixture on Saturday, October 3, before hosting Czechia at Wembley on Tuesday, October 6.

Palmer’s withdrawal leaves Tuchel with fewer attacking options as he prepares England for their opening fixtures of the new Nations League campaign.

The Chelsea forward was one of eight players recalled by Tuchel following the World Cup, alongside Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Chelsea also confirmed that Palmer would remain at the club to focus on his fitness at Cobham.

“Wesley Fofana, Cole Palmer and Omari Kellyman have withdrawn from international duty this month after being called up by France, England and England Under-20s respectively.

“Fofana and Palmer will instead focus on their fitness at Cobham, while Kellyman has suffered a hamstring injury,” Chelsea said in a statement on its website.

Palmer’s latest setback comes after an injury-affected 2025-26 season, which contributed to his absence from England’s World Cup squad.

England will now have to continue their preparations without the Chelsea playmaker as Tuchel reshapes his attacking options ahead of the meeting with Spain at Wembley.

Join us on our WhatsApp Platform @KOIKIMEDIA NEWS YOUR PAGE

Koikimedia Bringing the World 🌎 Closer to Your Doorstep