Cole Palmer withdraws from England squad after Chelsea injury setback

Palmer’s England return delayed by injury

Cole Palmer has withdrawn from England’s squad because of a minor muscle injury, ending his return to the international set-up before the Three Lions’ extended Nations League schedule.

The Chelsea forward was recalled by Thomas Tuchel after being controversially left out of England’s 2026 World Cup squad. He was due to feature in matches against Spain, the Czech Republic and Croatia, but will now miss the upcoming international break.

Strong start interrupted

Palmer’s withdrawal comes after he played the full 90 minutes in Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat by Brentford on Friday. He has started six of Chelsea’s seven matches this season and completed five full games, scoring four goals and supplying two assists.

The 24-year-old had previously said he felt physically stronger after an injury-hit 2025-26 campaign. “Physically I feel good, probably the best I’ve felt in ages,” Palmer said, while acknowledging that he still needed to build fitness through matches and minutes.

Palmer was troubled by a recurring groin injury last season and said he had been working daily to prevent a repeat. “I just want to stay injury free, and if I’m on the pitch then I know what I can do,” he said.

England face busy Nations League schedule

England are scheduled to host World Cup winners Spain at Wembley on 26 September, before travelling to the Czech Republic on 29 September and Croatia on 3 October. They will then host the Czech Republic again on 6 October.

Palmer’s last England appearance came in a 1-0 friendly defeat by Japan in March. His latest setback represents another interruption to his bid to re-establish himself under Tuchel after missing the World Cup selection.