Cole Palmer leaves England Under-21s duty to return to Chelsea

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 15 October 2023

Palmer leaves England U21s duty to return to Chelsea

Midfielder Cole Palmer leaves international duty with England Under-21s to return to Chelsea after suffering a dead leg versus Serbia earlier this week.

Chelsea have seemingly been handed a boost regarding Cole Palmer's fitness ahead of their London derby with Arsenal on October 21.

Towards the end of the summer transfer window, the Blues paid £42.5m to sign the playmaker from Manchester City, who opted against keeping their academy graduate.

Palmer has since made a positive impression at Stamford Bridge, contributing one goal and two assists from his three starts and three substitute outings in all competitions.

However, the 21-year-old's place in the starting lineup appeared to be under threat when he was withdrawn early in the second half of England Under-21s' 9-1 victory over Serbia Under-21s on Thursday.

After the game, manager Lee Carsley revealed that his captain had been substituted due to a dead leg, rather than a thigh injury as had previously been believed.

England Under-21s manager Lee Carsley before the match on March 25, 2023 © Reuters

With the Young Lions playing a Euro 2025 qualifier against Ukraine early next week, Carsley would have wanted to use Palmer in his starting lineup.

Instead, Carsley has revealed that he will not take any risks on the youngster, despite claiming that he could have featured during their upcoming contest.

Speaking to reporters, as quoted by the Evening Standard, Carsley said: "I think Cole would be fine, but we don't take any chances with any of the players.

"If there is a slight doubt that they're going to miss a game at the weekend, we get them back to the clubs as quickly as we can.

Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino during Burnley game on October 7, 2023. © Reuters

"We could've kept Cole here another day and see how it was, but we didn't think it was right."

Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino will welcome the opportunity to have Palmer back at the club's Cobham training ground ahead of the highly-anticipated match.

The West Londoners have won their last three fixtures in all competitions, with Palmer starting each of the matches with Brighton & Hove Albion, Fulham and Burnley.

Providing that he proves his fitness, Palmer is expected to feature on the right flank, with Raheem Sterling likely to edge out Mykhaylo Mudryk on the opposite side of the pitch.