Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has urged Cole Palmer to concentrate on his football at Stamford Bridge after the midfielder was once again overlooked by England manager Thomas Tuchel for the November international fixtures.

The 24-year-old was absent from Tuchel’s latest 25-man squad despite informing the England setup that he was fit and available for selection, extending his frustrating spell away from the Three Lions after missing the the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the previous international window through injury.

Alonso believes Palmer’s immediate responsibility should be to maintain his performances for Chelsea rather than become preoccupied with his international prospects. “He needs to focus on his thing, and his thing is to play good football and enjoy his game with us, with Chelsea,” the Spaniard urged the Chelser number 10.

Palmer’s omission has attracted attention given his contribution to Chelsea’s campaign, having registered five goals and three assists in 11 appearances across all competitions. His six goal involvements in nine Premier League outings further underline his importance to Alonso’s attacking plans.

The Chelsea manager has also expressed satisfaction with the England international’s performances, highlighting his ability to connect with the other attackers and contribute to the team’s development. Alonso believes Palmer is “enjoying his football” and remains an important figure in the club’s ambitions.

Chelsea now hope to build on their recent victory over Manchester United when they travel to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland on Sunday, November 8, seeking consecutive Premier League wins before the November international break.

Alonso Backs Palmer’s Contribution

Alonso has made it clear that Palmer’s omission from the England squad has not become a major talking point within the Chelsea dressing room, with his attention firmly on preparing the team for their upcoming fixtures.

Asked whether he had discussed Tuchel’s decision with the midfielder, the former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen manager revealed that their conversations had centred on Chelsea’s preparations.

“We have not spoken about that. We have been talking about our game on Sunday.”

Xabi Alonso, Chelsea Manager

He also dismissed suggestions that Palmer’s previous withdrawal from the England squad might have created regrets for the player, insisting that the club’s immediate priority was helping him become increasingly influential in their performances.

“We haven’t spoken about that. We are focused on our things, on Chelsea things and how to do better and how to help him and how he can become more and more influential on the game.”

Alonso further revealed that his discussions with Palmer were centred on matters within his control at Chelsea rather than the forward’s ambitions to return to the national team.

Chelsea Seek Consecutive League Victories

Chelsea head into Sunday’s encounter with renewed confidence after overcoming Manchester United 2-0 last weekend at Stamford Bridge, a result that lifted them into the Premier League’s top four.

The victory represented their fifth win in nine league matches this season and provided an important response following consecutive disappointments against Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool, the latter eliminating them from the Carabao Cup after a penalty shootout.

With the international break approaching, Alonso will be keen to ensure his side maintain their position among the leading teams by collecting another three points against a struggling Sunderland outfit.

The Black Cats have endured a difficult campaign, sitting at the bottom of the standings with just one league victory and two draws from their opening fixtures.

Also, their recent 3-1 defeat to promoted Coventry was followed by a home loss to Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League on Thursday, increasing the pressure on manager Regis Le Bris.

However, Sunderland’s home advantage and previous success against Chelsea provide reasons for caution.

Sunderland Still Fresh in Chelsea’s Memory

Chelsea’s most recent visit to the Stadium of Light ended in a disappointing 2-1 defeat on May 24, 2026, when Sunderland secured qualification for the UEFA Europa League on the final day of the Premier League season.

Trai Hume opened the scoring before a Malo Gusto own goal doubled Sunderland’s advantage. Palmer pulled one back for Chelsea, but Wesley Fofana’s dismissal made the visitors’ attempt to rescue a result more difficult.

The victory lifted Sunderland into seventh place and secured their first European campaign since the 1973/74 season, while Chelsea finished 10th and missed out on continental football.

Before that encounter, Chelsea’s previous league visit to the Stadium of Light had come in December 2016, when Cesc Fabregas scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory for the Blues.

Their other recent encounters at the ground include a 3-2 Sunderland victory in May 2016, a goalless draw in November 2014 and a thrilling 4-3 Chelsea win in December 2013.

The latest defeat, therefore, remains an important reminder of Sunderland’s ability to trouble Chelsea on home soil, despite the Blues’ historically superior record in the fixture.

Martinez Faces Late Fitness Assessment

Meanwhile, Alonso has provided an encouraging update on goalkeeper Emi Martinez, who could return to the squad for Sunday’s encounter after recovering from a jaw injury.

The goalkeeper sustained the setback following a collision with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite during Chelsea’s 2-0 victory at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on October 17.

He has subsequently missed the club’s last three matches, allowing Mike Penders to make his debut and deputise between the posts.

Alonso confirmed that Martinez had made good progress and was training ahead of the Sunderland encounter, although a final decision on his availability would be taken after Saturday’s training session. “Tomorrow we have our last training session before Sunday and we will decide, but he is training well,” Alonso said.

The Chelsea manager also acknowledged the goalkeeper’s determination to return earlier than initially anticipated, describing his recovery efforts as impressive.

“All of the decisions are tough. But it is good that Emi has made a great effort to be back and ahead of the plans to be part of the team. Tomorrow we will check and Sunday we will take the final decision.”

With Palmer continuing to deliver for Chelsea despite his international disappointment and Martinez potentially returning to contention, Alonso will be hoping his side have enough quality to overcome Sunderland and strengthen their position in the Premier League’s top four.