Chelsea optimistic Cole Palmer not facing spell on sidelines after England withdrawal

Chelsea are optimistic that Cole Palmer is not facing a spell on the sidelines, despite his withdrawal from the England squad.

Palmer withdrew from the England squad on Tuesday night, causing panic among Chelsea fans over the fitness of the club’s star man.

The attacking midfielder has suffered muscle fatigue in the early stages of this season, following a hectic summer at the European Championship with England.

While England and Chelsea have not confirmed the reason for his international withdrawal this week, it is believed to be related to the muscle fatigue that was flagged up.

It is not thought that Palmer has suffered a new injury or faces any prolonged period on the sidelines, with Chelsea next in action against Bournemouth on Saturday September 14.

Palmer is likely to be given some time off to rest and recuperate during the international break before returning to training in preparation for the resumption of the Premier League.

England have been careful with players for this international break, with Phil Foden and Ollie Watkins also withdrawing from interim manager Lee Carsley’s squad.

That will be particularly appreciated at Chelsea, who cannot afford to lose Palmer, who has already scored once and registered four assists in this campaign.

Head coach Enzo Maresca is already sweating over his right-back options for the Bournemouth game following Malo Gusto’s injury.

Reece James is not expected to be ready to start against Bournemouth, which may force Maresca to consider playing Moises Caicedo as a makeshift inverted right-back.

Midfielder Romeo Lavia is due to return to training with a view of being available at Bournemouth. The availability of Lavia would be timely for Maresca if Caicedo is needed at right-back.

Meanwhile, the Premier League have approved Chelsea’s £76.5 million sale of two hotels to a sister company that helped the club comply with profitability and sustainability rules.