Cole Palmer to withdraw from England squad for Nations League due to minor injury

Cole Palmer is set to withdraw from England's squad for the upcoming Nations League matches because of a minor injury, with the change coming ahead of England’s opener against Spain at Wembley on Saturday, 26 September. The 24-year-old Chelsea forward had been recalled to the squad by manager Thomas Tuchel after being controversially omitted from the World Cup selection.

Palmer’s form and fitness were central to his recall; the article lists that he has two goals and two assists in the Premier League this season, and also records that, after a summer off following World Cup omission, he has started six of Chelsea’s seven games and played the full 90 minutes in five — "scoring four goals and providing two assists." Tuchel had publicly challenged Palmer to perform after the omission.

Tuchel’s comments accompanying the recall included the phrases that Palmer had a "point to prove" and needed "to step up" to "keep his shirt and justify the nomination". The manager also recalled Trent Alexander-Arnold alongside Palmer, according to the report.

Palmer’s withdrawal follows his appearance in Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat at Brentford on Friday, in which he played the entire match. The decision to pull out will see him miss the extended international break during which England have four fixtures scheduled.

The article notes Palmer suffered from a recurring groin injury in 2025-26; former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca — who is now boss at Manchester City — said that situation "did not make sense." Palmer’s most recent England appearance came in the 1-0 friendly defeat by Japan in March.

England’s Nations League schedule laid out in the report lists the fixtures as Spain at Wembley on Saturday, 26 September, then trips to the Czech Republic on 29 September and Croatia on 3 October, before hosting the Czech Republic on 6 October. Palmer’s withdrawal means he will not be available for England’s opener against Spain on 26 September.