Any sympathy Alan Shearer had for Chelsea star Cole Palmer has bizarrely vanished

But this season, Palmer is on fire. He’s started and finished all five of Chelsea’s Premier League games so far, but Xabi Alonso and Chelsea withdrew the playmaker from England’s four Nations League matches.

Alan Shearer initially felt sorry for Cole Palmer

Back in February, all-time Premier League record goalscorer Alan Shearer admitted he felt sympathy for Palmer. Perhaps remembering a period of his career, Shearer said he did not envy Palmer’s situation.

“It was really interesting listening to Cole. I hate being in that position as a player, not being able to train as much as you want. You get to the game, then you’re back to square one. Horrible position to be in.”

He’s right. This is not on Palmer, with Palmer himself disappointed at not representing England this break. This is the right move for Palmer, England in the future and Chelsea – managing his load and game time.

Shearer seems to have performed a u-turn with Palmer

Speaking to Betfair, as per Football London, any sympathy that Shearer had for Palmer seems to have completely disappeared. He claims that regardless of injury status, Palmer should have been involved.

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“I think at every opportunity you have to go and play for England. You can’t just turn up for World Cups or Euros or whatever. We don’t know, and we’re speculating, but it’s a lot of players to pull out, isn’t it?

“Rice, I guess, his withdrawal is because of the amount of football he’s played. It does look as if he’s nursing something. The others, I don’t know their situation, but that’s a lot of players to be pulling out.”

Clearly, Shearer is not feeling as sympathetic about the situation surrounding Palmer as he was at the start of the year. Roy Keane was not in Palmer’s court either when discussing the England star’s fitness.

In the long run, Palmer has made the right decision

A fit Palmer is best for everyone. Palmer might have actually picked up a small muscle injury as stated, and the need for a rest – after spending the first half of the season injured – makes some actual sense.

Even during pre-season, Palmer sat games out. If Palmer needs to build his fitness back up slowly, then that’s what he needs to do. Keeping himself fit is better for himself, for Chelsea and for England.

He might be getting some criticism now, but if it means he remains fit and without causing an injury, then it is better for England in the long run. There is every chance he returns to the England fold in November.

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