Cole Palmer Set to Withdraw From England Squad for International Break

Cole Palmer is set to withdraw from the England squad for the upcoming international break, with workload management and a minor muscle issue understood to be behind the decision. The Chelsea forward had only recently earned a recall to Thomas Tuchel's England squad after missing the 2026 World Cup.

Palmer has made an impressive start to the 2026/27 campaign, registering four goals and two assists in seven appearances for Chelsea. He has been one of the key attacking players in Xabi Alonso's side and played the full 90 minutes in Chelsea's recent defeat to Brentford.

Palmer's workload raises concerns

The decision comes against the backdrop of Palmer's difficult 2025/26 season, when he struggled with a series of injury problems. The Chelsea star missed 26 matches last season, with a groin problem among the issues that disrupted his campaign. Palmer later explained that he had returned to playing before he was fully ready and said he had been working to prevent similar problems from recurring.

Chelsea are therefore understood to be taking a cautious approach. Reports indicate that Palmer has played almost every minute of Chelsea's campaign so far, making the extended international window an opportunity to manage his workload and allow him to recover.

The timing is particularly significant because Palmer had been recalled by Tuchel for England's opening UEFA Nations League fixtures. England are scheduled to face Spain at Wembley on September 26, Czechia away on September 29, Croatia in Rijeka on October 3 and Czechia again at Wembley on October 6.

Caicedo and João Pedro also miss international duty

Palmer is not the only Chelsea star staying behind during the international break. Moisés Caicedo has been left out of Ecuador's squad while recovering from a muscular injury. Ecuador are scheduled to face South Korea and Japan during the window.

Meanwhile, João Pedro has withdrawn from Brazil's squad because of injury. Brazil will face Australia twice before playing India, with Fluminense's Matheus Martinelli called up as his replacement. The Brazilian Football Confederation did not disclose the nature of João Pedro's injury.

For Chelsea, the international break therefore provides Palmer, Caicedo and João Pedro with valuable recovery time ahead of a demanding period of the season.