Chelsea Rejects Crystal Palace Request To Play Conor Gallagher In FA Cup Semi-Final Clash

Chelsea have reportedly turned down Crystal Palace‘s request to allow Conor Gallagher play when both sides meet in the the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley Stadium.

The 22-year-old has thrived since joining the Eagles on a one year loan deal from Chelsea last July, and has featured in every round of the FA Cup this season, playing a vital role in Patrick Vieira’s team reaching the semi-final.

The loanee has played 31 times for Palace where he has scored eight goals and picked up a further five assists.

Gallagher will now be unable to participate in the prestigious cup competition semi-final on Sunday after the Blues rejected a request from Palace to give him a special dispensation, and permit him the opportunity to take part in the game according to Goal.

He will Instead have to watch from the sidelines as his current teammates battle against his parent club in the Eagles’ biggest game of the season.

The terms of his loan deal prevent Gallagher from playing in any match against his parent club, but those conditions could have been altered. 

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The absence of Gallagher who have contributed to more goals than any other midfieder in the squad, would be a huge blow for manager Vieira, as there aren’t too many players available for him to replace and replicate Gallagher's high work rate.

Palace have won four of their last five matches to climb up to ninth in the Premier League table as they continue to transform and improve in the first season under the former Arsenal player and captain.

"The energy that he brings to the team allows other players to follow him behind... Said Vieira on Gallagher's performance in their massive 3-0 win over Arsenal on Monday night. 

"The majority of the time he is the one who starts the pressing and puts on the pressure. 

"That really forces the players behind to follow and to reduce the distances between the lines. He is a massive player."

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Gallagher's impressive form, has earned him England call-ups in the last two international breaks. If he keeps up in this sensation, he could potentially be guaranteed a spot in Coach Gareth Southgate's squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar later this year.

The other FA Cup semi-final fixture, would see two top teams Man City and Liverpool play again at Wembley on Saturday for a place in the final on 14th May.