Chelsea reject Crystal Palace request to let Conor Gallagher play in FA Cup semi-final

Published 16:38 9 Apr 2022 BST

Callum Boyle

Chelsea reject Crystal Palace request to let Conor Gallagher play in FA Cup semi-final

Home sport

Get our Pub Quizzes and latest news straight to you by clicking here »

Gallagher is on loan at Crystal Palace from Chelsea

Chelsea have rejected Crystal Palace's request to allow loanee Conor Gallagher to play in the FA Cup semi-final when the two teams meet next week. Gallagher has been an influential figure in Palace's resurgence this season and is one of the first names on Patrick Vieira's team sheet.

Vieira has praised Gallagher for his impact at Palace

Following his dazzling display in Palace's 3-0 win against Arsenal, Vieira hailed the impact of Gallagher and the energy he brings to his team. "The energy that he brings to the team – it allows other players to follow him behind," he said. "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."

Chelsea have turned down Palace's request to allow Gallagher to play next weekend

However, ahead of the all-London showdown at Wembley next weekend, the Frenchman will be without the 22-year-old after his parent club declined the request to let him play for the Eagles. As reported by the Goal, the rules officially state that a player cannot play against their parent club, unless they receive special dispensation from them. Chelsea however, keen to thwart their opponents in any way, will deny the England international the chance to play a part in helping Palace to reach a first FA Cup final since 2016. Gallagher's form at club level has also seen him feature at international level, with calls for Gareth Southgate to take him to the World Cup. After making his debut against off the bench against San Marino, the midfielder started the 2-1 win against Switzerland in March, where he was regarded as one of the better performers on the night.