Cole Palmer’s England return appears set to be delayed by a minor injury, with the Chelsea attacker expected to miss the coming international window just days after earning a recall from Thomas Tuchel.
The move
Palmer had been brought back into the England squad on Friday after a sharp opening to the campaign at Chelsea, where he has produced four goals and two assists across seven matches in all competitions.
The attacking midfielder had previously been left out by Tuchel in May and was not selected for the World Cup. His latest call-up now looks unlikely to lead to an appearance, however, after the injury issue emerged.
Morgan Gibbs-White is expected to take Palmer’s place. The Nottingham Forest captain, who has six England caps, had also missed the World Cup squad and was reportedly on a family holiday in Dubai when the situation changed. He is now due to return to England to join preparations.
England are scheduled to face Spain on 26 September, the Czech Republic on 29 September and again on 6 October, with Croatia due to play Tuchel’s side on 3 October in the Nations League programme.
Further concerns for Tuchel
Palmer may not be the only late withdrawal confronting the England manager. Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo were both substituted before the end of the 1-1 draw with Fulham and could also be unavailable.
Rashford is understood to have a hip problem, while Mainoo has also picked up a physical issue. Their fitness will be assessed before Tuchel finalises his group for the international matches.
