'It could be good' — Cole Palmer set to withdraw from England squad after injury blow, confirms Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca as Morgan Gibbs-White receives call-up
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has confirmed Cole Palmer is set to withdraw from Thomas Tuchel's England squad after suffering a muscular injury.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
- Palmer suffers muscular injury
- Likely to withdraw from England squad
- Gibbs-White drafted in
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ToggleWHAT HAPPENED?
Palmer picked up an injury while training on the eve of Chelsea's Premier League clash against Arsenal and was left out of the Blues' squad by Maresca. The two-time European champions were unable to get the win at the Emirates without their starman as the Blues lulled to a 1-0 loss after Mikel Merino's 20th-minute strike.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Palmer's availability for Tuchel's first two matches as England boss in the World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia is now under scrutiny. Maresca thinks the 22-year-old will have to withdraw from the squad, but the severity of his injury will only be revealed when he undergoes scans on Monday.
The FA have already confirmed that Morgan Gibbs-White has been added to Tuchel's squad, with the Nottingham Forest star set to take Palmer's place in the forward ranks.
- AFP
WHAT MARESCA SAID
When asked about Palmer joining the England camp, Maresca answered: "I don't think so, to be honest. His injury was from yesterday's session — it's a muscle problem, so I don't think so.
"He needs a scan and the scan is planned for tomorrow [Monday].
"We don't wish players injured, but in Cole's case, in this moment, it will give him some rest physically and mentally. It could be good."
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WHAT NEXT FOR PALMER?
Chelsea are hopeful that Palmer will be able to return to action after the international break when the Blues face off against Tottenham Hotspur. However, the 22-year-old's recovery will dictate his return to footballing action.
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