Tuchel threatens to keep Palmer watching the 2026 World Cup from home if this happens

England coach Thomas Tuchel acknowledged his concern about potentially having to leave Cole Palmer out of the 2026 World Cup if the Chelsea player fails to recover soon from injury and return to good form.

Due to a groin injury, Cole Palmer was not called up by coach Thomas Tuchel for the international fixtures this October. However, this is not the first time the top Chelsea attacker has missed out since the German coach took charge of the Three Lions in early 2025.

Statistics show that in seven squad gatherings under Tuchel, Palmer has only appeared twice. The 2025/26 season started slowly for Palmer due to his groin injury. The former Man City player has featured in only 3 out of 7 Premier League matches and scored just one goal for Chelsea. Currently, Palmer remains sidelined because of this issue.

In a recent interview, Tuchel advised Palmer to fully treat his groin injury as it is prone to becoming chronic. Tuchel even warned that Palmer might miss the 2026 World Cup if he doesn’t regain fitness and form soon, especially with England’s current squad being very strong.

Tuchel’s stance is very clear: "His last call-up was during the June camp, which is obviously concerning since Palmer missed most of the sessions. First and foremost, he must completely heal because groin injuries tend to become chronic. That is the most crucial point.

When Palmer is healthy and back to his rhythm and agility, everyone knows he can decide matches for both club and country in a moment. We recognize his potential and quality. But the fact is, he has missed 5 of the last 7 camps, and now there are only two more before the World Cup. I am genuinely worried about Cole Palmer.

To succeed at the World Cup, you need to arrive with a fit and talented squad. But it’s not just about the best players; we have to build a united and capable team.”

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