Cole Palmer set for Chelsea return against Bournemouth after Thomas Tuchel criticism

Cole Palmer is reportedly close to being fit enough to start Chelsea’s Premier League meeting with Bournemouth on Saturday, in the sixth round of the season.

The 24-year-old forward appears to have overcome his latest injury setback after making an impressive start to the new campaign. Palmer has scored four goals and provided two assists for Chelsea so far.

His previous season was a frustrating one, with a combination of inconsistent performances and fitness problems eventually leading to his omission from England’s World Cup squad.

Palmer was later included in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the most recent Nations League matches, but subsequently withdrew because of a minor muscle problem.

Tuchel made clear in recent days that he was unhappy with Palmer’s decision to pull out of the squad.

“It is a missed opportunity. He is missing too many opportunities,” Tuchel told reporters.

According to The Sun, Palmer has recovered from the setback and is “on the verge of being ready” for Chelsea’s match against Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

The report says Palmer completed individual training with a specialist fitness coach while he was in the Caribbean. It adds that the “indications” are that he will be available for selection.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is also said to be hoping for positive updates on several other injury concerns within his squad before the game.

Chelsea currently sit 10th in the Premier League after taking seven points from their opening five matches. Those fixtures have come against Fulham, Brighton, Arsenal, Hull and Brentford.