Sophia
Sports Illustrated
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has made a direct appeal to England boss
Thomas Tuchel, urging him to omit star midfielder Cole Palmer from the
upcoming international squad. The plea comes as Palmer faces another
three-week spell on the sidelines due to a persistent groin issue, with
Maresca prioritizing the player’s long-term recovery over immediate
international duty.
Palmer’s Injury Woes Continue
Palmer’s season has been plagued by this recurring groin problem. The
issue previously forced him to miss two games earlier in the season and,
after a brief return, a setback just three games in has sent him back to
the treatment room. Maresca confirmed that Palmer will be rested for the
next three weeks, not necessarily due to the severity of the current
flare-up, but as a strategic measure to prevent the need for surgery and
avoid exacerbating the injury.
football.london
Maresca’s Plea to Tuchel
The situation is complicated by Tuchel’s impending England squad
selection. The Three Lions boss had previously singled out Palmer for
praise upon taking the job in late 2024. However, Tuchel has only seen 65
minutes of action from Palmer, who missed March’s camp with a hamstring
injury before this groin issue ruled him out of September’s squad.
inkl.com
With the World Cup next summer, Tuchel will undoubtedly be keen to assess
Palmer further. Yet, Maresca is hopeful that his star midfielder will be
given the necessary time to recover. When asked about Palmer’s potential
England absence, Maresca stated:
“I think so, but it is not my job to say that. If he is already out and is
not going to play three games for us… but it is not my decision. It’s a
decision for the international team.”
Sports Illustrated
Chelsea’s Resilience Without Palmer
Interestingly, Chelsea has demonstrated a surprisingly strong record
without Palmer in their starting lineup this season, winning all three
games in which he was unavailable. This statistic offers some solace for
Maresca as his team prepares for a challenging fixture. This record will
be put to the test on Saturday when they host Brighton & Hove Albion, a
match that will undoubtedly draw significant attention.
The Mirror
Looking Ahead
Maresca’s cautious approach with Palmer underscores the delicate balance
between player welfare and international aspirations. While Tuchel will be
eager to integrate a talent like Palmer into his England plans, the focus
for Chelsea remains firmly on ensuring their creative midfielder makes a
full and lasting recovery. The decision now rests with the England camp,
who must weigh the immediate need for player assessment against the
long-term health and career of one of the country’s most promising young
talents. For more on this developing story and other Chelsea news,
transfer rumours, and more, stay tuned to our sports coverage.
