Chelsea attacker claims his friend and teammate was in a “low place” thanks to injuries last season

Morgan Rogers has insisted that Cole Palmer still wants to play for Chelsea and has defended his old friend from criticism.

International break by international break, Morgan Rogers is making himself into an important player for England.

As he progresses, his old friend and teammate Cole Palmer is fading from the picture. After withdrawing from the last squad because of the demands on his body, Palmer wasn’t picked by Thomas Tuchel this time.

There’s been speculation that he’s blown his chances with the new coach – but Rogers spoke to the BBC this week from the camp and explained a little better what was going on.

“He wants to be here. He wanted to get called up and he wanted to come and represent his country as he always has done,” Rogers said of his old friend.

“He wants to be here and he wants to be the best version of himself. But he also has to look at his body. He wants to play for 10 or 15 years, he also has to manage himself… He was in quite a low place with his injuries last year and didn’t feel 100% himself on the pitch.”

The important thing for Palmer is to play well for Chelsea. Everything else will follow from that. The last few weeks we’ve not seen nearly enough of him.

Xabi Alonso’s targets for the season are clear, but even if he misses them he will probably keep his job claims one journalist.

Emi Martinez has given some details on the surgery he had which makes it clear his return to full health could take a while.