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Thomas Tuchel says injuries are limiting Cole Palmer’s chances to impress for England after his latest withdrawal, while stressing he does not blame the Chelsea forward.
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Cole Palmer has withdrawn from England’s latest squad, prompting manager Thomas Tuchel to say the Chelsea forward’s injury absences are costing him opportunities to impress in the national team set-up. [1]
In remarks reported by BBC Sport on 25 September 2026, Tuchel said: “He misses too many opportunities. I don't blame him for it.” The manager said he wanted to judge players on what he witnessed in his own camp, making their availability important to his assessment. [1]
Palmer, 24, has made three England appearances since Tuchel took charge in January 2025 and was left out of his World Cup squad. [1]
The forward has started all five of Chelsea’s Premier League matches this season. But Tuchel said his understanding was that Palmer had been playing with discomfort and pain and could not compete at the highest level in that condition. He said both Palmer and Chelsea had informed England of the withdrawal. [1]
BBC Sport reported that Palmer was abroad with a Chelsea rehabilitation coach and was understood to be following an injury-specific training plan. [1]
Tuchel also said he was not worried about players putting their clubs ahead of England. His concern was the opportunities Palmer was losing to show what he could do within the national team. [1]
1 listed sources · explore evidence, limitations and provenance.
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