'It makes no sense' - Thomas Tuchel issues verdict on Cole Palmer injury as Chelsea star ruled out of first matches under new England manager

Palmer was left out of Chelsea's squad for the 1-0 loss to Arsenal last weekend due to illness, and head coach Enzo Maresca later revealed the 22-year-old had picked up a "muscle problem" in training. Despite being named in new England boss Tuchel's first Three Lions squad last week, the German has made it clear the attacking midfielder won't feature in their World Cup qualifiers over the next few days.

He told reporters on Thursday: "Cole will not be with us. We waited a while for feedback. But he is not on the pitch and it makes no sense to call him up now."

Palmer is struggling for form and goals at present, with the Chelsea man last scoring more than two months ago. The ex-Manchester City ace will need time to rediscover his form and playing while injured will not help towards that goal. Even Maresca admitted the England international is "human", so some time off may do him good.

Tuchel's first England games are against Albania on Friday and Latvia on Monday as they begin their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.