Enzo Maresca Urges Thomas Tuchel to Unleash Cole Palmer's Brilliance for England

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has called on England manager Thomas Tuchel to exclude Cole Palmer from his next squad selection to help the midfielder recover from a groin injury.

The Blues are working hard to ensure Palmer avoids requiring surgical intervention for the problem, which has already sidelined him for two matches this campaign and forced another absence after just three appearances following his initial return.

Maresca has announced Palmer will be given a three-week rest period, not due to the injury's seriousness, but as a preventative measure to stop the talented playmaker's condition from deteriorating further.

What could complicate Maresca's plans is Tuchel's forthcoming England squad announcement. The Three Lions manager highlighted Palmer when he assumed the role in late 2024, though he has witnessed just 65 minutes of the player's involvement, as Palmer was absent from March's international break due to a hamstring problem before this groin complaint ruled him out of September's selection.

Tuchel will be eager to assess Palmer more thoroughly as he works toward finalizing his squad for next summer's World Cup, though Maresca is hoping his key midfielder will be omitted from international duties once more.

When questioned about Palmer potentially missing England selection, Maresca responded: "I believe so, though that's not for me to determine.

"Given that he's already ruled out and won't feature in three matches for us... however, it's not my call. That decision rests with the national team."

Chelsea have maintained an impressive record when Palmer isn't in their starting eleven, having secured victories in all three fixtures this season where Palmer was unavailable. This streak will face examination on Saturday, though, when Brighton & Hove Albion visit Stamford Bridge.