How Patrick Vieira plans to replace Conor Gallagher for Chelsea FA Cup semi-final
Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira has outlined how he plans to replace Conor Gallagher for Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final clash against Chelsea.
Gallagher has scored eight goals during his season-long loan from the Blues, but the midfielder will be missing for the Eagles at Wembley after their official request for the loanee to be granted permission to play in the match was turned down by Thomas Tuchel’s side.
The 22-year-old was subbed off during the 2-1 defeat to Leicester City last time out, with Vieira bringing on Eberechi Eze and James McArthur – two players who could start in Gallagher’s place – to impact the game.
Will Hughes, who joined from Watford in the summer in a deal worth in the region of £6million, could also be an option for the French World Cup winner ahead of Sunday.
“We will just have to change that position,” said Vieira of the choices at his disposal.
“It is difficult to find a player with that kind of energy in the squad.
“We have different profiles. We have players who can score goals and create chances, maybe more than Conor can.
“Of course, his profile is different, but we have players who are capable of bringing something different to the team – something good that will allow us to create more chances or score more goals.”
Speaking on Gallagher’s reaction this week, knowing that he will not be able to feature at Wembley for Palace on the weekend, Vieira said: “He is professional enough to understand the situation and to deal with it.
“But, of course, there is the expression on the face that does not lie. The closer we are getting to the game, the more difficult it is getting for him to manage.
“He will be travelling with us on Saturday evening – he will be staying with the team in the hotel. He will be with us on Sunday [for the game].”
PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD
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