England have confirmed that Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Ollie Watkins have been ruled out of the squad for the September international break.
Foden is a doubt ahead of the Champions League, having missed the previous two games for Manchester City. Pep Guardiola has admitted that he is unlikely to risk England.
The midfielder has been out of action due to illness and has been left out of the squad alongside Palmer and Watkins.
“The Three Lions team reported to St. George’s Park on Tuesday but, following an investigation, Palmer and Watkins returned to their clubs to continue their rehabilitation for ongoing issues,” a short statement said. It’s important for Chelsea and Aston Villa to note that neither Palmer nor Watkins are injury free.
Palmer appeared injured in the League Cup at Servette but played 90 minutes against Crystal Palace three days later. Chelsea announced that its policy is to “continue its restructuring for the ongoing issue”. As for Watkins, the striker was taken off on the hour mark in Villa’s three Premier League games, with manager Unai Emery insisting he is in no shape to stay with England for the summer and Euro 2024.
“He came here with a small injury, he wasn’t really 100% when he started training with us,” Emery said recently. “He wants to rest more than other players when he returns.
