The wound of exclusion

Cole Palmer is still digesting the decision that left him off England's list for the 2026 World Cup. The 24-year-old, who came off a season marked by muscle injuries in the groin, hamstrings, and thigh, barely managed to play 34 matches last season. Even so, he contributed 11 goals and three assists, numbers that did not convince Thomas Tuchel, who preferred Morgan Rogers, Eberechi Eze, and Noni Madueke. The exclusion was surprising; since his arrival at Stamford Bridge in 2023, Palmer has accumulated 67 direct goal contributions, only surpassed by Haaland, Salah, and Watkins in the Premier League.

Renewed motivation under Alonso

The absence from the World Cup, where England reached the semifinals and finished third after beating France, became fuel for Palmer. "If someone tells you that you're not good enough, you're going to try to go a little further," he confessed. Under Xabi Alonso's guidance, the attacking midfielder is entering his fourth season at Chelsea with the goal of proving that Tuchel was wrong. The debut will be on August 24 against Fulham, and Palmer arrives with renewed energy after enjoying seven weeks of rest, the first in four years. "My summer was great, I traveled with my family and I feel fresh," he assured.

Between injuries and friendships

Palmer himself admitted that his anxiety to return led him to play without being fully recovered, which worsened his season. He even considered surgery in Scandinavia, although it ultimately did not materialize. Today, with Alonso's confidence and the arrival of his friend Morgan Rogers, a record signing from Aston Villa, the attacking midfielder feels supported. Both trained together at the Manchester City academy and are now reunited in London. Palmer, who has already trademarked his iconic "cold" celebration, joked about the possibility of sharing it with Rogers: "If he tries it, he'll have bailiffs at the door. But I think we'll do it together."

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