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Add to Preferred Sources<\/span> <\/a> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nCole Palmer explained on a gaming stream that he played last season with one leg. The Chelsea star had to play with an injury, and initially, it seemed that Alan Shearer felt sorry for the Blues magician.<\/strong><\/p>\n Palmer\u2019s<\/a> groin hampered the Chelsea<\/a> star\u2019s form to the point that he could only manage 11 goals and three assists during 2025-26. At one point last season, he even said he couldn\u2019t even shoot at goal.<\/p>\n But this season, Palmer is on fire. He\u2019s started and finished all five of Chelsea\u2019s Premier League games so far, but Xabi Alonso<\/a> and Chelsea withdrew the playmaker from England\u2019s four Nations League matches.<\/p>\n Back in February, all-time Premier League record goalscorer Alan Shearer <\/a>admitted he felt sympathy for Palmer. Perhaps remembering a period of his career, Shearer said he did not envy Palmer\u2019s situation<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cIt 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\u2019re back to square one. Horrible position to be in.\u201d<\/p>\n He\u2019s 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 \u2013 managing his load and game time.<\/p>\n Speaking to Betfair, as per Football London<\/a>, any sympathy that Shearer had for Palmer seems to have completely disappeared. He claims that regardless of injury status, Palmer should have been involved.<\/p>\n \u201cI think at every opportunity you have to go and play for England. You can\u2019t just turn up for World Cups or Euros or whatever. We don\u2019t know, and we\u2019re speculating, but it\u2019s a lot of players to pull out, isn\u2019t it?<\/p>\n \u201cRice, I guess, his withdrawal is because of the amount of football he\u2019s played. It does look as if he\u2019s nursing something. The others, I don\u2019t know their situation, but that\u2019s a lot of players to be pulling out.\u201d<\/p>\n 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\u2019s court either<\/a> when discussing the England star\u2019s fitness.<\/p>\n 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 \u2013 after spending the first half of the season injured \u2013 makes some actual sense.<\/p>\n Even during pre-season, Palmer sat games out. If Palmer needs to build his fitness back up slowly, then that\u2019s what he needs to do. Keeping himself fit is better for himself, for Chelsea and for England.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\nAlan Shearer initially felt sorry for Cole Palmer<\/h2>\n
Shearer seems to have performed a u-turn with Palmer<\/h2>\n
Our Chelsea player ratings for the season so far \u2013 tell us who\u2019s impressed you most, and least? \ud83d\udc40<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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<\/div>In the long run, Palmer has made the right decision <\/h2>\n