Chelsea 'reject Crystal Palace request to play Conor Gallagher in FA Cup semis'

Crystal Palace have reportedly failed with a request to play Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher in the FA Cup semi-final between the two clubs on April 17.

The 22-year-old has enjoyed a standout campaign at Selhurst Park, contributing eight goals in 26 Premier League appearances and helping the Eagles reach the last four of the FA Cup.

However, after the two teams were paired together at that stage of the competition, the England international is ineligible to feature against his parent club.

According to Goal, Palace have formally asked Chelsea if they could play Gallagher, the argument likely being that the experience would prove beneficial to the player.

The Blues are said to have rejected that request, forcing Gallagher to remain on the sidelines for one of Palace's biggest fixtures of the season.

As it stands, Gallagher is expected to feature in Chelsea's first-team squad for 2022-23 after establishing himself as a proven Premier League player.