Cole Palmer is reportedly fit enough to start Chelsea’s Premier League match against Bournemouth on Saturday, after recovering from the minor muscle problem that led him to withdraw from England duty.
The 24-year-old forward has made an impressive start to the new season, scoring four goals and providing two assists for Chelsea. His availability had been uncertain after he pulled out of Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad for the Nations League because of the injury.
Tuchel had included Palmer in his squad for the Three Lions’ most recent matches, but the player subsequently decided not to take part. The England manager made clear in recent days that he was unhappy with the decision.
“It’s a missed opportunity. He is missing out on a lot of opportunities,” Tuchel told reporters.
According to The Sun, Palmer has overcome the setback and is “on the verge of being ready” to face Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge. The report says he carried out individual work with a specialist fitness coach while in the Caribbean.
It is also claimed that all the “indications” point to Palmer being available for Chelsea’s weekend fixture. His possible return would provide a boost for manager Xabi Alonso, who is also waiting for positive updates on several other injury concerns within the squad.
Palmer endured a particularly frustrating campaign last season, with a combination of poor performances and fitness problems eventually resulting in his omission from England’s squad for the World Cup.
Chelsea currently sit 10th in the Premier League after taking seven points from their opening five matches. Their opponents in those fixtures have been Fulham, Brighton, Arsenal, Hull and Brentford.