Palmer to miss England s opening World Cup qualifiers

LONDON - Chelsea forward Cole Palmer will miss Englands opening World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia because of a muscle injury, head coach Thomas Tuchel said on Thursday.

Palmer was named in Tuchels first squad but has not joined up while being assessed by his club.

Cole will not be with us. He was not on the pitch with Chelsea, Tuchel told reporters ahead of the squads final training session for Fridays home clash with Albania.

Weve waited quite a while now for feedback and for the chance, maybe, to call him up. But hes not on the pitch and not available. It makes no sense to call him up now.

We stay with this group that we have. Everybody is in training today, all 26 players, so it gives us the full choice.

The 22-year-old scored in last years Euro 2024 final and is seen as an integral part of Tuchels plans, although he has struggled for form and fitness for Chelsea recently.

England host Latvia on Monday. REUTERS

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