Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer has been sidelined due to a muscle injury sustained during training. This comes ahead of the club’s Premier League match against Arsenal on March 16, 2025. Consequently, he missed the fixture, which resulted in a 1-0 defeat for Chelsea.
Initially selected for Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad for the upcoming FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia, Palmer’s injury has led to his withdrawal from international duty. The Football Association confirmed that he remains with Chelsea for further assessment and did not report to the national team camp.
In response to Palmer’s absence, Tuchel has added Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White to the squad. Additionally, three England U21 players Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Adam Wharton, and Liam Delap have been invited to train with the senior team at St. George’s Park. This move aims to bolster the squad ahead of the qualifiers.
Palmer’s injury comes at a crucial time for both club and country. Chelsea, currently striving to secure a top-four Premier League finish, will feel his absence in their upcoming fixtures. Similarly, England’s national team is preparing for their World Cup qualifying matches under new head coach Thomas Tuchel, who has outlined a vision focused on teamwork and achieving World Cup success.
As of now, the full extent of Palmer’s injury remains uncertain. Chelsea’s medical team is conducting further assessments to determine the severity and establish a timeline for his return. Fans and officials alike are hopeful for a swift recovery, given Palmer’s influential performances this season.
