CONOR GALLAGHER is one of the hottest properties in English football, following the midfielder’s stunning impact on the Premier League this season.

He has even been likened to Frank Lampard by current manager Patrick Vieira.

Conor Gallagher has been a fantastic loan signing for Crystal Palace this season

The 22-year-old has scored seven goals in the top flight this season in Vieira’s dynamic Eagles team.

But he is not available for Palace against his parent club today.

Why isn’t Conor Gallagher playing for Crystal Palace against Chelsea?

Conor Gallagher’s parent club is, of course, Chelsea.

So as part of the loan agreement he cannot face his parent club in the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and the Blues.

Premier League rules state that a player cannot play against the club that owns them outright in a top flight match, even if the parent club permits it.

Arsene Wenger is among prominent figures in English football to hit out at the rule, saying it should be axed.

So Gallagher will be watching from the stands as Vieira’s side look to firmly knock the Blues out of the title race.

Chelsea’s game against Palace is not on TV as it is a 3pm kick off, so fans will have to wait until Match of the Day to see how they got on.