Chelsea Boss Alonso Backs Cole Palmer After Thomas Tuchel Comments

Alonso defends Palmer

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has defended Cole Palmer after England boss Thomas Tuchel questioned the forward's international commitment. Tuchel claimed that Palmer misses too many opportunities to play for his country. This came after Palmer withdrew from the England squad before matches against Spain, Czechia, and Croatia.

Alonso says Palmer is fully committed to England but needs to be fit. The 24 year old pulled out of the squad due to load management. He has spent the international break training with Chelsea and is now ready to face Bournemouth on Saturday.

"The most important thing for Cole is to be fully fit, that he enjoys his game, he's feeling OK," Alonso said. He noted that Palmer was clearly struggling during Chelsea's recent 3-0 loss to Brentford.

Major fitness boosts for Chelsea

Alonso has more good news ahead of the weekend. Chelsea captain Reece James is available after missing international duty with another hamstring issue. Striker João Pedro is also back after missing the Brentford game with a knee injury.

Midfielder Moisés Caicedo is fit to play too. Caicedo has played only 14 minutes this season because of a persistent calf problem, but Alonso confirmed he is ready to go.

Alonso started his Chelsea career with two straight wins but has taken only one point from the last nine. He knows his team must improve. The manager explained that the squad used the break to get players fit for a busy run of five Premier League games before the next international window.

What it means for the next game

Chelsea vs AFC Bournemouth (Premier League, Sat, 10 Oct): Chelsea win 50%, draw 24%, AFC Bournemouth win 26%; expected goals 1.88 to 1.32. Our safest pick: Over 1.5 goals.

Everton vs Chelsea (Premier League, Sat, 17 Oct): Everton win 37%, draw 25%, Chelsea win 37%; expected goals 1.52 to 1.52. Our safest pick: Over 1.5 goals.