Maresca confirms Palmer unlikely to feature for England

Cole Palmer is a major doubt for England’s first matches under Thomas Tuchel after suffering an injury in training.

Palmer was not named in Chelsea’s squad for their 1-0 Premier League defeat to Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

The 22-year-old is yet to formally withdraw from the Three Lions squad ahead of next week’s World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.

Palmer also missed England’s November internationals and joins the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Lewis Hall, John Stones and Bukayo Saka on the treatment table.

“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,” said Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca when asked if Palmer would be able to feature for England.

“He needs a scan and the scan is planned for Monday.”

Chelsea are hoping that Palmer will be available after the final international break of the season, with the Blues facing London rivals Tottenham Hotspur upon their return to action.

Palmer’s absence has been felt by the Blues when he has been missing, with Chelsea losing all three of the domestic away matches he has missed, all without scoring.

Having started the season in fine fashion, Palmer has failed to score in his last 10 games across all competitions, and Maresca believes his absence could be a good thing as he aims to rediscover his goal-scoring touch.

“We don’t wish players injured but in Cole’s case, in this moment, it will give him some rest physically and mentally,” he said. “It could be good.”