Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso has moved to clarify the circumstances behind Cole Palmer's withdrawal from England's recent Nations League squad, insisting the attacking midfielder remains fully committed to representing his country despite missing out on the September fixtures.
Palmer's absence drew criticism from England manager Thomas Tuchel, who suggested the 24-year-old "misses too many opportunities" to feature for the national team and questioned his enthusiasm for international duty. The forward has earned just five caps since his memorable strike in the Euro 2024 final against Spain, and has only been available for four of Tuchel's 26 matches in charge, starting three.
However, Alonso explained that Palmer's decision stemmed from genuine caution over a recurring issue linked to the groin problem, known as pubalgia, that disrupted much of his previous campaign at Stamford Bridge. The Spaniard revealed that Palmer felt discomfort before Chelsea's loss to Brentford last month, prompting both player and club to prioritize recovery over a rushed return to action with England.
"We were cautious, and he was cautious as well — he wanted to be," Alonso said. "He wouldn't have played the way he wants to play, so it's sometimes better to take a step back and wait until you feel better and do it the right way."
The Chelsea manager noted that the club used the opening fortnight of the international break purely for Palmer's rehabilitation, and he is now set to feature against Bournemouth this weekend. "Now he's fine," Alonso confirmed. "He's been feeling better this week. We use the first two weeks for him to recover. It's a little bit from the pubalgia he had."
Alonso drew comparisons to other players who had been released for international duty despite fitness concerns, pointing to Morgan Rogers and Jamie Gittens as examples of gambles that did not always pay off. Gittens, who joined up with England's Under-21s, has been sidelined for several weeks as a result. "With Cole, it was the right decision," Alonso added.
When asked if Palmer had been affected by Tuchel's pointed remarks, Alonso said the player had remained focused purely on his training and recovery. "He's still young in his career. He has been there, and I'm sure when he feels good and is playing good, he will be back. That is Thomas's decision," he said.
Alonso also dismissed comments from broadcaster Piers Morgan, who branded Palmer a "bottle job" for his repeated unavailability for England duty. "I don't know the comment and I don't know the guy," Alonso responded, declining to engage further with the criticism.
On the broader question of whether a player can be considered world class without a regular international role, Alonso struck an optimistic tone about Palmer's long-term prospects with England. "Things happen naturally," he said. "When you show for your club that you are a top-level player and you have regularity, normally it is the natural way that you are part of the national team."
Palmer has featured in all seven of Chelsea's league matches this season, scoring four goals, though the club have endured a difficult recent run of three games without a win. Alonso will also be boosted by the returns of Moises Caicedo, Joao Pedro, Reece James and Marco Palestra, all of whom are back in contention for the Bournemouth fixture after respective injury spells.
It remains to be seen whether Tuchel will include Palmer in his squad for next month's fixtures against Croatia and Spain, but Alonso expressed confidence that the Chelsea playmaker's international career would flourish again once he returns to full fitness and form.
Based on reporting from The Guardian and The Standard.