Connor Gallagher ready to return to Chelsea if the club needs him in Janaury
According to Football.London, Crystal Palace loanee Conor Gallagher has decided on the possibility of a loan recall in the January transfer window as the injury crisis worsens at Chelsea. He is currently impressing at Selhurst Park, where he has been fantastic since his move.
The 21-year-old joined Palace on a season-long loan deal for the 2021-22 season and has instantly slotted into Patrick Vieira’s setup. He continues to flourish under the former midfielder’s tutelage.
Gallagher has featured in 15 matches this season and scored four goals and made two assists. One of his best performances came against Premier League champions Manchester City. Gallagher scored one and assisted another as Palace won by a 2-0 scoreline.
The Englishman has decided that he will return to Stamford Bridge in the winter transfer window if the clubs askes him to do so. The Blues have suffered a tough time with injuries to their midfielders, namely, N’Golo Kante, Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
However, it is expected that a recall would not be happening in January, and the midfielder will go on to complete his loan. If the Champions League holders do not change their stance, they would have to cope with a depleted squad as a congested fixture list looms.
Right decision?
We cannot say for sure as the factors involved are too much to make a definite statement. However, we can form different possibilities or derive advantages or disadvantages out of the prevailing situation.
Looking at the positives, staying put will see the youngster continue to earn consistent game time in the top division, which is necessary for his development.
Recalling him at a time when he is enjoying life may not be a good idea looking at his future. However, we have already lost our top spot in the league table, and the lack of depth could derail our season further if they do not recover in time.
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Liverpool from last season are a perfect example of how an injury crisis can result in throwing away a strong start to the season. Chelsea will be in further soup if the likes of Saul Niguez and Ross Barkley also fail to step up in the absence of their injured teammates.
Tuchel has a number of decisions to make. Hopefully, the situation will not become so dire that the Blues are forced to recall Gallagher.