Chelsea's Alonso Backs Palmer's Commitment to England Amid Injury Concerns
Cole Palmer’s absence from the England squad due to injury has sparked discussions, but Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is clear: the young attacker is committed to representing his country.
The 24-year-old forward, who has been nursing a groin issue that plagued him last season, missed the recent international break. Alonso confirmed that Palmer is fit and ready to take on Bournemouth this weekend, despite Thomas Tuchel expressing disappointment over Palmer’s decision to withdraw during the Nations League campaign.
Tuchel previously remarked that Palmer has missed too many chances to make an impact with England, raising questions about his desire to be part of the national setup. However, Palmer’s latest withdrawal was legitimate, stemming from ongoing issues that sidelined him last season, including missing a spot in Tuchel’s World Cup roster.
"The most important thing for Cole is to be fully fit, to enjoy his game, and to feel good," Alonso stated. "When he’s not at his best, like during the Brentford match, it’s evident he’s struggling. He’s committed, but fitness is key for him and for us."
Fortunately, the current injury isn’t as severe as last season’s struggles, where he faced significant challenges even with basic shooting. The extended break has been beneficial for Palmer, with Alonso noting, "Now he’s fine. He’s been feeling better this week. We used the first couple of weeks for him to recover from the pubalgia."
Given the competition for spots in Tuchel’s attacking midfield, it remains uncertain whether Palmer will feature in the upcoming matches against Croatia and Spain. When asked about the notion of world-class players needing international appearances, Alonso replied, "Things happen naturally. When you prove yourself as a top player at the club level, it typically leads to national team recognition."
Alonso dismissed a recent comment from broadcaster Piers Morgan, who labeled Palmer a 'bottle job' for his absence from the England squad. "I don’t know the comment or the person," he said, showing little concern for the criticism.
This season, Palmer has been in excellent form for Chelsea, netting four goals. With the Blues struggling through three consecutive league matches without a win, Alonso hopes to see Palmer and other injured players like Reece James, Moisés Caicedo, and Marco Palestra return to full fitness against Bournemouth.
