PALMED OFF: Chelsea star Palmer OUT of England squad after World Cup snub as Blues say he is managing injury with Rashford and Mainoo also expected to withdraw

Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer has pulled out of the England squad for the coming international break. Thomas Tuchel recalled the midfielder having snubbed him from the Three Lions' World Cup squad.

His promising start to the campaign earned him a place for the upcoming Nations League matches against Spain, Czechia and Croatia. Instead, he will recover at home from a "small muscular injury" just days after Chelsea lost 3-0 away to Brentford. This will come as a huge disappointment to Tuchel who praised Palmer's start to the new campaign under Xabi Alonso.

He has begun the season with four goals and two assists in all competitions for the west Londoners. In the Premier League, he has played the full 90 minutes in all but one game, the Blues' opener against Fulham, where he was taken off in the 83rd minute.

Tuchel suggested it would have been impossible not to call him up for the upcoming international break. When asked why he selected Palmer and Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, Tuchel replied: "So now it is a new competition.

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"Some players, some positions, have more injuries. Some have less injuries. Cole has his starts that he always had but he has his numbers back, he has his assists back, he has decisive goals back – so that is why he is in the squad.

"I think he has a point to prove, and the same goes for Trent. He was never off the list. He was never non-selectable for us, and it is his chance to show, come to camp and be the best version of himself.”

Tuchel is also expected to be without Manchester United duo Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford. United boss Michael Carrick said Rashford picked up an injury against Fulham and he was "not sure" if it was serious or not.

Mainoo is also believed to be struggling with a knock and was substituted after 80 minutes at Craven Cottage. It's currently unclear who will replace the trio.

Palmer has only made three appearances for England under Tuchel. He has not featured under the German since the 1-0 home loss to Japan back in March.

England face Spain on September 26 in their first match since beating France 6-4 in the World Cup third-place play-off. An away trip with Czechia swiftly follows it on the 29th before an away clash against Croatia on October 3.

The international break will then conclude on October 6, when the Three Lions host Czechia at Wembley Stadium.