‘A knock and likely to be out’… International manager confirms 23-year-old Chelsea star had a injury
England manager Gareth Southgate has shared some interesting injury news about Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher.
Conor Gallagher, 23, has joined up with England during this international break. The Three Lions wrap up their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with two fixtures, at home to Malta tonight, followed by a trip to North Macedonia on Monday.
Gallagher’s been a standout player at Stamford Bridge so far this season with eye-catching displays, justifying the faith shown in him by Blues head coach Mauricio Pochettino. Incidentally, TEAMtalk claimed this week that Chelsea staff have been left shocked by the quality of his performances this year.
Apparently, the box-to-box midfielder has had a slight injury concern this week.
Southgate has said that Gallagher turned up to England with a small injury, which prevented him from full training at the start of the week. He’s praised the Chelsea star’s attitude for staying in camp to get himself fit, though.
The Times now claims that Gallagher is expected to start in midfield in Friday night’s match versus Malta.
“Conor is perhaps a slower burner in terms of how external people might have viewed him,” Southgate said, as quoted by The Times.
“He has got tremendous drive. This week is a classic for me. He has come with a bit of a knock from the weekend but he walked through the door saying, ‘It is a bit sore but I will be fine for Friday.’
“There was no way he was going home, there was no way he wasn’t going to give himself every chance. He wasn’t able to train for the first few days, but he was determined he would be available and that, in a nutshell, is what is going to be one of his greatest strengths, which will allow himself to achieve everything he might in the game.”
Chelsea were involved in two gruelling Premier League games against Manchester City and Tottenham last week, with Gallagher playing every minute of both. Therefore, it’s not the biggest surprise to hear he picked up a minor problem.
Thankfully, it sounds like the Blues player is back fit and will get more England caps over the next few days.
He’s making his mark at club level by becoming a nailed-on starter for Chelsea. Can he now begin to do the same on the international stage?
His role in most recent times has been as a substitute for England’s national side, but it certainly sounds like Southgate is a big fan of his. The recent Chelsea form means he should be granted a start or two for England.