England boss Thomas Tuchel has sounded an alarming warning for England and Chelsea star Cole Palmer, saying his persistent injury issues are threatening his World Cup hopes. And, what’s more concerning, the German boss fears Palmer’s groin problem could become chronic and impact his career longer-term.
Worrying news for England star
Tuchel was speaking ahead of England’s forthcoming fixtures, a friendly with Wales and World Cup qualifier against Latvia, both of which Palmer will miss. The 23-year-old has been dealing with a recurring groin injury in the early weeks of this season, which has limited his playing time for club and country. This issue first arose during a short pre-season period after Chelsea's Club World Cup success in the summer. He was reportedly rushed back to play against Manchester United in September, only to be forced off after just 21 minutes when the injury flared up again.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportEngland boss fears for Palmer’s future
Tuchel was brutally honest as he spoke ahead of the friendly with Wales, but the message to Palmer was loud and clear. The Three Lions boss said: "He was only in the June camp, that is concerning, of course. First of all, the most important thing is that he can play without pain, because the groin issue is a very dangerous one to become chronic. This is the most important thing. When he's fit and when he has rhythm and flow, he can decide matches on club level and, for sure, on international level. We know that. There is also with him no problem at all (for me). We clearly understand and see the potential and the quality, but there is also a reality that he was not available in five of the (last) seven camps, so right now there are two camps left before the World Cup."
Chelsea’s first game back after the international break is away at Nottingham Forest on October 18th, but Tuchel is doubtful Palmer will be fit for that one. He added: "It would surprise me this time if he was able to play."
Did team-mate worsen injury?
Enzo Maresca confirmed that Palmer would be rested until after the October international break to allow the injury to heal, which ruled him out of the Premier League matches against Brighton and Liverpool, a Champions League meeting with Benfica and a Carabao Cup tie at Lincoln. The head coach has stated that surgery is not currently deemed necessary and the plan is to manage the pain.
But did his Chelsea team-mate Jarrel Hato make the injury worse? During celebrations following Chelsea's dramatic win against Liverpool the Dutchman jumped into Palmer to celebrate Estevao's late goal, and TV cameras captured Palmer grimacing and clutching his left groin area. The incident caused significant concern among fans, who worried that Hato's innocent but misguided exuberance had aggravated Palmer's chronic issue.
AFPWorld Cup woes for Palmer?
This ongoing issue raises concerns about Palmer's potential availability for next year’s World Cup. While he is considered one of England's most talented players, his recurring fitness troubles could hinder his chances of securing a starring role for the Three Lions at the World Cup in USA, Mexico and Canada next summer. Palmer is running out of opportunities to show Tuchel what he can do, as there are just two World Cup qualifiers to come after the Latvia clash and limited international windows in the build-up to the World Cup.
