Cole Palmer pulls out of England squad due to injury

Chelsea forward Cole Palmer has pulled out of England’s squad for the first four matches of the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League after getting a muscle injury, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old was called up by England manager Thomas Tuchel on Friday, September 18, after missing the World Cup squad. Now, he will miss the international matches in September and October.

Sky Sports reported on Monday that "Cole Palmer is withdrawing from the England squad because of a muscle injury."

Palmer played the full 90 minutes for Chelsea in their 3-0 loss to Brentford on Friday. That was the same day Tuchel named him in the 27-man England squad.

Before this injury, Palmer had a great start to the season. He scored four goals and made two assists in seven matches for Chelsea, Sky Sports reported.

His withdrawal comes just days after Tuchel gave him a chance to return to the England team after missing out on the World Cup.

Tuchel explained Palmer's recall by saying, "Cole has his numbers back. Assists, decisive goals. I think he has a point to prove."

Palmer had also talked to Sky Sports about his fitness before the injury, saying, "Physically I feel good, probably the best I’ve felt in ages, but I think I can [get fitter] with games and more minutes."

He added, "Since I’ve come back I’ve been working every day to obviously stop it happening again. I just want to stay injury free, and if I’m on the pitch then I know what I can do."

Chelsea’s official website had listed Palmer among the players called up for international duty. They noted that Tuchel had recalled him for the start of England’s Nations League campaign.

The club's schedule shows England hosting Spain at Wembley on Saturday, September 26, at 7.45pm. They will then travel to Prague to face Czechia on Tuesday, September 29, at 7.45pm.

England will also go to Croatia for their third match on Saturday, October 3, with kick-off set for 5pm. They will later host Czechia at Wembley on Tuesday, October 6, at 7.45pm.

Palmer's withdrawal means Tuchel will need to change his attacking plans for the opening Nations League games, after recalling him just three days earlier.

The England manager made eight changes to his squad after the World Cup, with Palmer and Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold among the notable players returning.

Palmer’s latest injury follows a season in 2025-26 where injuries kept him from playing for England in the World Cup.

For now, the England team will move on without the Chelsea player as Tuchel gets ready for their first match against the world champions Spain at Wembley.