Charlton boss Lee Bowyer has admitted that midfielder Conor Gallagher will be a big loss for his side when he misses Saturday's clash with Sheffield Wednesday due to suspension.
Gallagher collected his fifth yellow card of the season against Luton on Tuesday night, and this means he will now serve a one-match suspension for the Wednesday clash in what will be the first league clash he misses this campaign.
The Chelsea loanee has been a revelation since joining the Addicks back in August, with his six goals in 17 appearances for Bowyer's side having also earned him a call-up to the England Under-21 squad in the first half of the season.
The 19-year-old was a key performer during the South London side's impressive start to the season, but their form has suffered in recent weeks as a result of numerous injuries within the squad, and they are now also set to be without Gallagher on Saturday.
Speaking in the pre-match press conference, Bowyer confessed that his side would miss Gallagher in midfield against Garry Monk's side, but he also suggested the midfielder is in need of a rest following his heavy workload in recent weeks.
“Conor will be a big miss on Saturday," he said via the club's Twitter account.
"He got his fifth booking on Tuesday, but I think he did well to get this far, the way he runs around. He needed a bit of a rest, so he’ll be back in on Monday ready for the Middlesbrough game.”
Gallagher is currently playing his first season in senior football after impressing in Chelsea's academy last term, and he has formed a fine midfield partnership with West Ham loanee Josh Cullen at The Valley, but the pair will both be missing against the Owls with Cullen now also in the treatment room.
Can you score maximum points in this Charlton quiz? Have a go now!
The Verdict
Gallagher has definitely exceeded expectations with his performances at The Valley this term, and this has seen him partake in every league game so far this term, so the teenager is probably in need of a rest ahead of the festive period.
However, the suspension has come at a bad time for the Addicks who have been severely hit by injuries in recent weeks, and Gallagher's absence means Bowyer now has even fewer options to choose from ahead of this weekend's match.
The fact Gallagher is getting a rest could benefit Charlton in the long run as he comes back refreshed ahead of a busy period, but Bowyer would definitely prefer to have the 19-year-old available for Saturday.