RismadarVoice Reporters
September 21, 2026
Chelsea forward Cole Palmer has withdrawn from England’s squad for the opening four matches of the 2026–27 UEFA Nations League after suffering a muscle injury.
Palmer was recalled by England manager Thomas Tuchel on September 18 after being left out of the squad for the 2026 World Cup. However, the 24-year-old will now miss England’s September and October international fixtures.
The injury comes after Palmer played the full 90 minutes in Chelsea’s 3–0 Premier League defeat to Brentford on Friday, the same day Tuchel announced his 27-man squad.
According to Sky Sports, Palmer has withdrawn from international duty because of the muscle problem.
The forward had made a positive start to the new campaign, scoring four goals and providing two assists in seven appearances for Chelsea before the latest setback.
Tuchel had recalled Palmer after his recent performances and said the player had “his numbers back”, highlighting his goals and assists as reasons for his return to the national team.
Palmer had also expressed confidence in his physical condition before the injury, saying he felt better than he had in a long time and was focused on staying fit.
Chelsea confirmed that Palmer would instead remain at the club to work on his fitness at Cobham.
His withdrawal leaves Tuchel without one of his attacking options as England prepare for their opening Nations League fixtures.
England are scheduled to host Spain at Wembley on September 26 before travelling to Prague to face Czechia three days later. They will then play Croatia away on October 3 before hosting Czechia at Wembley on October 6.
Palmer’s latest injury setback comes after a campaign disrupted by fitness problems, which contributed to his absence from England’s 2026 World Cup squad.
Tuchel will now have to adjust his plans as England begins their Nations League campaign without the Chelsea forward.
