Cole Palmer withdraws from England squad with muscle injury

Chelsea forward Cole Palmer has withdrawn from England's squad for the opening four matches of the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League following a muscle injury, as reported by Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old was recalled by England manager Thomas Tuchel on Friday, September 18, after being excluded from the Three Lions' 2026 World Cup squad, but will now be unavailable for the September and October international fixtures.

According to Sky Sports' Monday report, "Cole Palmer is withdrawing from the England squad due to a muscle injury."

Palmer completed the full 90 minutes for Chelsea in their 3-0 Premier League loss to Brentford on Friday, the same day Tuchel included him in his 27-man England squad.

The Chelsea player had demonstrated strong form at the beginning of the season prior to this latest setback, accumulating four goals and two assists across seven appearances for the club, as reported by Sky Sports.

His withdrawal occurs shortly after Tuchel provided him with an opportunity to return to the England squad following his World Cup exclusion.

When discussing Palmer's recall, Tuchel stated: "Cole has his numbers back. Assists, decisive goals. I think he has a point to prove."

Palmer had previously discussed his physical condition with Sky Sports ahead of the latest injury setback, stating: "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 further remarked: "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."

Chelsea's official website had included Palmer among the club's players selected for international representation, confirming that he had been recalled by Tuchel for the commencement of England's Nations League campaign.

The club's schedule indicated that England would host Spain at Wembley on Saturday, September 26, at 7.45pm, followed by an away fixture against Czechia in Prague on Tuesday, September 29, at 7.45pm.

England will then travel to Croatia for their third game on Saturday, October 3, with kick-off scheduled for 5pm, before hosting Czechia at Wembley on Tuesday, October 6, at 7.45pm.

Palmer’s withdrawal means Tuchel will have to adjust his attacking options for the opening Nations League fixtures, having only recalled the Chelsea forward three days earlier.

The England manager had made eight changes to his squad following the World Cup, with Palmer and Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold among the high-profile returnees.

Palmer’s latest setback also comes after an injury-disrupted 2025-26 campaign, during which fitness problems contributed to his absence from England’s World Cup squad.

For now, the England camp will proceed without the Chelsea playmaker as Tuchel prepares his side for their opening fixture against the newly crowned world champions Spain at Wembley.

“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,” the club wrote on its website.