Xabi Alonso says he is “very happy” with Cole Palmer after the Chelsea forward was left out of the England squad.
Thomas Tuchel did not include Palmer in his 25-man squad for this month’s Nations League games against Croatia and Spain, saying he misses too many opportunities to impress.
Palmer has not played for England since March, and Alonso said at his pre-match press conference, ahead of Sunday’s trip to Sunderland, that the pair had not discussed his omission.
“No, we have not spoken about that. We have been talking about our game on Sunday,” he said.
“We are very happy with Cole. He’s enjoying his game. He’s connecting very well with the other attackers. He’s helping the team.
“I’m very happy with his quality, with his attitude and the impact that he’s having on the rest of the team.”
Asked whether this was a test of character for the forward, Alonso added: “He needs to focus on his thing. His thing is to play good football, to enjoy his game with us, with Chelsea, to connect with his team-mates.”
Alonso also said a final decision will be made on Sunday over Emiliano Martinez, who has been training in a protective mask after breaking his jaw against Everton last month.
“It’s not the most comfortable thing, but he’s getting used to it,” Alonso said.
Moises Caicedo is a doubt for the game after suffering what Alonso described as “a discomfort”, with Chelsea due to check on him on Saturday.
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