Patrick Vieira questions loan rules as Conor Gallagher set to miss Chelsea game

Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira has questioned the ruling that will prevent Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher from facing his parent club in next weekend’s FA Cup semi-final and stated missing the game will disrupt his development.

The Eagles, who travel to Leicester on Sunday in the Premier League, have Wembley on the mind after last month’s 4-0 win over Everton booked a return to England’s national stadium for the first time in six years.

While excitement has swept through the club since Palace were confirmed to be facing Chelsea on Easter Sunday, one player left frustrated is Gallagher with FA competition rules regarding loan players facing their parent clubs requiring written permission from the Blues to allow the England midfielder the chance to play in the Wembley clash.

Earlier this week the Stamford Bridge outfit informed their London rivals that Gallagher would not be permitted to feature in the semi-final, the PA news agency understands, and it will rob Vieira of one of his form players and stop the Three Lions ace from featuring in the biggest match of his career to date.

“I don’t know if it is a bad rule but what makes me think it is not the best rule is the only one who will lose is Conor,” the Palace manager said ahead of the trip to Leicester.

“There is a semi-final, it is a really exciting game about how you will manage yourself and prepare yourself during the week to play this game. Playing this kind of game with this importance is the experience the players are missing.

“I am disappointed for Conor because he has played all the games so far and if there is somebody who deserves to be in the semi-final, it is him and because of his performances as well.

“I think the decision for Chelsea to send him on