Thomas Tuchel has been in contact with Chelsea over medical checks regarding Cole Palmer ahead of announcing his latest England squad.
The Blues star did not feature for his national team during the last international break after withdrawing from the squad due to a small injury. The Three Lions boss was not best pleased by that decision, but Palmer could be set for another chance to prove his worth.
Palmer's form and fitness
The 24-year-old has started every Chelsea game he has been available for since the extended domestic pause. His performances in the first few games of the season were far better than his showings in October, but a call-up to the England squad looks to be in the works.
Tuchel is yet to make a final decision on Palmer's inclusion for upcoming Nations League games against Spain and Croatia, but medical checks have been made with Chelsea regarding his fitness. Such a decision with clubs is regular practice to understand injury situations, but it does not guarantee a place in the squad.
Tuchel's earlier frustration
Palmer was one of many England stars to pull out of featuring in four games earlier this season, with Tuchel making his feelings perfectly clear on the situation. He also missed large portions of the 2025/26 season due to a persistent groin injury.
Tuchel said: "My understanding is that he is playing with discomfort and pain, and he cannot compete at the highest level with discomfort and pain. So he withdrew and informed us, and Chelsea informed us. For sure. It is a missed opportunity. He misses too many opportunities. I don't blame him for it. It is just a fact.
"He misses way too many camps with injuries, and I only want to rely on what I witness and see within in my team, and for that you have to be in camp. And if you're not in camp, there is a next level to impress that you cannot achieve because you can only do it when you are actually on the pitch with me. So yes, it is a missed opportunity."
Competition for places
Fellow Chelsea team-mate Morgan Rogers and Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham are among the players Palmer will be competing against for a spot. There is, however, a vacancy on the right-hand side with Arsenal star Bukayo Saka nursing a quad injury, but Noni Madueke is expected to fill in.
Palmer and Chelsea head to Sunderland on Sunday afternoon, with a first England appearance in seven months after that possible if he avoids injury. The former Manchester City star was left out of Tuchel's World Cup squad after a challenging season at Stamford Bridge.
