Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Cole Palmer is committed to playing for England, despite the attacker's recent withdrawals from the national squad. Alonso revealed that Palmer missed the latest international break due to a problem linked to the groin injury that sidelined him for much of last season.
Palmer, who has earned five caps for England, had previously drawn criticism from Thomas Tuchel for making himself unavailable for the start of the Nations League campaign last month. Tuchel had questioned Palmer's desire to be part of the squad, stating the 24-year-old "misses too many opportunities" to play for his country.
Alonso, however, insists that Palmer's latest absence was for genuine reasons related to persistent groin pain that requires careful management. The Chelsea manager stated, "The most important thing for Cole is to be fully fit, that he enjoys his game, that he is feeling OK." He added that Palmer is now feeling better and is fit to face Bournemouth on Saturday.
Palmer has been in strong form for Chelsea this season, scoring four goals. Alonso also hopes that Reece James, Moisés Caicedo, and Marco Palestra will return from injury for the Bournemouth match.