Chelsea receives a shocking warning about Cole Palmer's risk of burnout

The English Professional Footballers' Association has cautioned Chelsea regarding Cole Palmer's exhaustion risk from a packed match calendar, given the prospect of the young talent playing for England in the 2026 World Cup.

The English Professional Footballers' Association warns Chelsea about the danger of Cole Palmer being exhausted ahead of the 2026 World Cup, as a dense fixture list could push the young star toward serious injury risks.

PFA CEO Maheta Molango expressed concern over Cole Palmer's physical condition in the final stages of the season. Chelsea's attacking midfielder is likely to continue playing a key role in the race for a Champions League spot, before potentially joining the England squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026 next summer.

According to Molango, Palmer risks experiencing three consecutive summers without proper rest. After the full 2023-2024 season, he participated in the Euros and then featured in the Club World Cup. If he also plays in the 2026 World Cup, the recovery time for the 23-year-old player would be severely eroded.

Molango mentioned he visited Chelsea's training ground and witnessed many players in an "exhausted" state upon returning to training. He emphasized that although Palmer earns a high salary, it does not mean he has an "extra lung or pair of legs" to endure the increasingly brutal intensity of matches.

The congested fixture schedule of the Premier League and international competitions is becoming a major issue. Molango questioned whether modern football is going too far in commercialization, as players are forced to compete continuously without adequate breaks. He argued that sometimes "less is more," because fans want to see stars at their best rather than having to manage their energy due to overload.

On the England national team front, Palmer has yet to play under Thomas Tuchel due to injury. He will face fierce competition for the number 10 role from players like Phil Foden, Eberechi Eze, and Jude Bellingham. Whether he features in the 2026 World Cup will depend on his form and physical condition next year.

In an increasingly brutal football landscape, the warning from the PFA serves as a reminder that on-field success should not come at the cost of the long-term health of talented young players like Palmer.