Xabi Alonso dismisses rumors of blocking Cole Palmer from England duty

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has addressed recent media speculation suggesting that the club has been intentionally preventing Cole Palmer from joining the England national team. The midfielder missed the September international break due to injury, which prompted comments from national team boss Thomas Tuchel regarding the player's availability.

Following reports that the club might be hindering international call-ups, the Chelsea head coach took the opportunity to clarify his stance on national team commitments.

I will never, under any circumstances, tell players not to go to the national team. If they are healthy, they are available. As for Cole, we have never talked about the England national team. We are focused only on Chelsea: how to get better, how to help him progress. Those are all our conversation topics. We talk about Chelsea. We have enough to do as it is. Xabi Alonso

The club remains focused on their domestic campaign, with Palmer continuing his development under Alonso's leadership. Chelsea's next fixture sees them travel to face Sunderland on November 8 at 16:00.