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Chelsea told England that Palmer was fit
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- Chelsea told England that Palmer was fit
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Chelsea told England that Cole Palmer was fit and available when staff from the national team contacted them this week.
There is some surprise, therefore, that the 24-year-old is not in Thomas Tuchel's squad for the upcoming matches against Croatia and Spain during the November international window.
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It is likely to be a major topic of debate, as Palmer's return of five goals and three assists this season compares favourably with many of those selected ahead of him.
However, his record of withdrawing from international squads through injury is also likely to be discussed as a potential reason.
Both Tuchel and Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso are giving news conferences on Friday and the issue is likely to be a major talking point.
Alonso is also preparing for a trip to bottom club Sunderland and is likely to face questions about potentially mixed team news.
Although goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez appears to be pushing to return for the match, having been fitted with a special mask to protect his fractured jaw, there is also the potential absence of Moises Caicedo to contend with.
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The midfielder missed at least part of an open training session on Wednesday, although Jordan Henderson returned after a virus and fringe defender Aaron Anselmino was also seen training.
A host of other high-profile injured players, including Joao Pedro, Reece James and Maxence Lacroix, were not involved and are unlikely to make the trip to the Stadium of Light.
Come back to this page later on Friday for all the key lines from Alonso's news conference.
