Chelsea forward Cole Palmer has withdrawn from England’s squad for the opening games of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League after suffering a muscle injury.
The 24-year-old was recalled by England manager Thomas Tuchel on Friday, September 18, after missing the World Cup squad. Sky Sports reported on Monday that Palmer is pulling out because of a muscle problem.
He had played the full 90 minutes for Chelsea in their 3-0 defeat to Brentford on Friday, the same day his England recall was announced.
Palmer had made a strong start to the season before the setback, scoring four goals and providing two assists in seven appearances for Chelsea.
His return had been seen as a chance to prove himself after his World Cup omission. Explaining the recall, Tuchel said Palmer has his numbers back with decisive goals and assists and has a point to prove.
Before the injury, Palmer told Sky Sports he was feeling physically good, probably the best he had in ages, and that he was working every day to avoid further issues. He said he wants to stay injury free because he knows what he can do on the pitch.
Chelsea confirmed the withdrawal on their website, listing Palmer among players who will now focus on fitness at Cobham.
The club noted that Wesley Fofana and Omari Kellyman have also withdrawn from international duty. Fofana will also work on fitness at Cobham, while Kellyman has a hamstring injury.
England host Spain at Wembley on Saturday, September 26, before travelling to Prague to face Czechia on September 29.
They then play Croatia away on October 3 before hosting Czechia at Wembley on October 6.
Palmer’s exit forces Tuchel to rethink his attack just days after naming him in a much-changed 27-man squad that also included Trent Alexander-Arnold among eight changes from the World Cup.
The forward endured an injury-disrupted 2025/26 season, which contributed to his World Cup absence. He will now miss England’s opener against world champions Spain.
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