Chelsea have received a major positive update on Cole Palmer’s fitness, with England manager Thomas Tuchel declaring that the 23-year-old attacker is approaching full fitness and showing encouraging signs of a return to his best form.
Palmer is currently in the England camp ahead of the upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan. The Chelsea star has been limited to just 65 minutes of action under Tuchel so far, largely due to a persistent and complicated groin injury that has disrupted his season.
However, Tuchel expressed optimism after observing Palmer’s recent performances and training, particularly highlighting his display during Chelsea’s defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium earlier this month.
“We saw good data lately. I saw him live against Arsenal and for the first time in a long time, I had the feeling his stride was back to the original lengths,” Tuchel said ahead of England’s friendly with Uruguay.
“Before, I felt he was not free and the stride was not long enough, the acceleration was not there and the movement was not free. I got the feedback from him and the feedback from Chelsea was that he felt during this game he was much, much better and he had a very strong game against Aston Villa with a huge physical output that we could see and from there, that was the first step.”
Tuchel added that Palmer’s physical output has now matched the positive impressions, noting that the youngster has regained full confidence.
“He is not pulling out or holding back. At the same time, that is what we wanted. We have had four training sessions and he needs to show up. He cannot hold back,” the England boss continued.
“He needs to understand he fights for his place and we will not hand anything to anyone on a silver platter. He [approached the first few days in camp] in a very nice way in exactly the right way.”
Despite Palmer’s obvious talent, securing a spot in Tuchel’s England squad for the World Cup this summer will not be straightforward. He faces intense competition for the No.10 role from players such as Eberechi Eze, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Morgan Rogers.
Tuchel has made it clear that Palmer must prove himself during this international break.
“Honestly, he has to show [it], because we have more evidence without him than with him, so the pressure is on him. He has had a difficult season but he has also had a difficult spell with the national team,” Tuchel explained.
“He was only available once for us and when he was available, we decided to stick with the same squad so there is big competition for his best position, the No.10.”
The England manager also praised Palmer’s attitude in camp, saying he is in good spirits, communicative, and fully engaged with the group.
“He really tries. When I hug him, that means he is smiling, otherwise he would not get a hug. He is in good spirits, he is open and he is communicating and is showing his quality,” Tuchel said.
“He is very engaged in the group and these are very important steps to show the performance to be involved in the group and have connections within the group, so he will get his chances during the next matches.”
This latest update will come as a huge boost for both Chelsea and England, with fans hoping to see the talented playmaker return to the explosive form that made him one of the standout performers in the Premier League in recent seasons.