Blues boss Alonso rates Palmer after England snub

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Chelsea will travel to Sunderland in its final game before the international window, with Palmer expected to play a big role as the Blues continue to build some momentum.

He has netted three goals and registered three assists in nine Premier League games so far this season, including scoring a penalty in a 2-0 win over Manchester United last time out.

Given his return to form, many expected Palmer to be back in the England squad, but Tuchel said he "misses too many opportunities to play for his country".

Alonso, however, has been impressed with the 24-year-old's form this term and backs him as a key player.

"We are very happy with Cole," Alonso said. "I think he is enjoying his game; he is connecting very well with the other attackers.

"He is helping the team and helping the team with developing and improving what we want and what we want to achieve, knowing that everything takes time, but I am very happy with his quality, his attitude and the impact he is having on the rest of the team.

"He needs to focus on his thing – and his thing is to play good football and enjoy his game with us, with Chelsea."

Chelsea faces bottom-side Sunderland, which has failed to win any of its past seven Premier League games.

The Black Cats also suffered its first UEFA Europa League defeat on Friday (AEDT), going down 2-0 to Dinamo Zagreb, piling the pressure on manager Regis Le Bris.

Sunderland's most recent meeting with Chelsea was on the last day of the 2025-2026 campaign, when it earned a 2-1 win that secured its European place at the Blues' expense.

Le Bris believes it is possible for his side to rediscover last season's form after a tough run so far this season.

"We have done it before with more or less the same squad, so it is possible," he said.

"We have had many conversations with our leadership group. They are important because they will show the way.

"I will show the way and the club will, but inside the dressing room our leader set the tone with their mood, ability to address problems, stick together and show the foundations to get better.

"They are doing their job, but now it is a question of the levels. They are trying their best."