Cole Palmer set for Chelsea return against Bournemouth despite Tuchel warning

Cole Palmer is in contention to return for Chelsea this weekend for their Premier League fixture against Bournemouth. The attacker, who withdrew from the England squad during the international break due to a minor muscular problem, reportedly spent the period working with a specialist fitness coach in the Caribbean and is now expected to be fit for the game at Stamford Bridge.

His return comes as a major boost for manager Xabi Alonso, whose side currently sits 10th in the league table. Palmer has been a standout performer this term, already registering four goals and two assists.

However, the situation has drawn sharp criticism from England boss Thomas Tuchel. The manager emphasized that Palmer’s persistent injury issues are hindering his international prospects, as his frequent absences prevent him from making an impact during training camps.

It is a missed opportunity. He misses too many opportunities. I don’t blame him for it. It is just a fact. He misses way too many camps with injuries, and I only want to rely on what I witness and see within my team, and for that you have to be in camp. Thomas Tuchel

Chelsea’s injury list remains a concern for Alonso. Key players including Joao Pedro, club captain Reece James, and Moises Caicedo are currently battling fitness issues, while summer signing Marco Palestra is still awaiting his debut due to a quadriceps injury. The team will be looking to secure a positive result against the Cherries to ease pressure on the squad after a rocky start to the campaign.