Dan Cook has been speaking on the HLTCO podcast about his fears of Crystal Palace potentially losing Conor Gallagher in January.
Crystal Palace have been enjoying Gallagher and his ability this season after the midfielder chose them despite having interest from other Premier League clubs, and the Eagles will be delighted that he did, having already scored four times and registered three assists.
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The midfielder only joined on a season-long loan from Chelsea, but his stay with Palace could be even shorter than initially expected, with his parent club experiencing a midfield crisis, which has been reflected in their recent results, having dropped points against West Ham, Manchester United and Zenit St Petersburg.
Cook has been voicing his concerns about whether or not Gallagher could leave in January.
“There is also potential trouble brewing at Chelsea in the sense that they have something of a midfield crisis themselves.
“N’Golo Kante has been absent from Chelsea’s midfield for some time now; they haven’t had Mateo Kovacic, who’s been ruled out since the end of October and Jorginho has been struggling with a hip problem himself, which has led to plenty of speculation that Thomas Tuchel may well look to recall Conor Gallagher from his loan spell at Crystal Palace early, as is their right as the parent club.
“I’m not suggesting that Conor Gallagher definitely is going to be recalled by Chelsea, but at this stage, I certainly wouldn’t rule it out, and it, of course, would leave a gigantic hole in our midfield and a real problem for us going into the second half of the season.”
TIF Thoughts on Gallagher…
It would not be too much of a surprise to see Thomas Tuchel recall Gallagher in January if his midfield problems don’t improve, because he’s started in every match under Patrick Vieira apart from the opening game of the season against the Blues, and he has stood out with his ability to progress the ball forward (FBRef).
For Crystal Palace, though, it could be that big of a decision that it derails their season because he’s been that crucial at both ends of the pitch with his goals and tackles, of which he has won the second-most in the entire squad.
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