With the exception of one game, Gallagher has appeared in all 27 games for Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea squad this season, starting 24 of those games.

The midfielder has been captaining the Blues during Reece James’s and Ben Chilwell’s absences, but his future with the club is unknown.

There has been no movement in negotiations to extend the contract of the England international, who has only 18 months remaining on it.

To help balance the books or pay for a much-needed center-forward, Chelsea are thinking about selling Gallagher in January while they can still collect a large amount.

The 23-year-old has been linked with Tottenham, although Pochettino and other commentators have expressed their belief that the player would be better off remaining in west London.

“Conor Gallagher is a crucial one and is the face of the club,” Cole, a former Chelsea player, has said, adding his voice to the ongoing discussion.

Taking him from the squad at this time would be a bad idea because he is a captain of the leadership group. His future at Chelsea is bright, in my opinion.

He can be to Chelsea what Jordan Henderson was to Liverpool, in my opinion.

After 12 years with Liverpool, Henderson most recently joined Ajax from Al-Ettifaq. He captained the club for eight of those years.

On Tuesday, Gallagher will be back in action as Chelsea visit Middlesbrough for the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final. With a 1-0 loss in the first leg, this game is a must-win for Chelsea.

The defeat at the hands of a Championship team would generate unnecessary pressure, therefore winning this game is absolutely essential, as Cole put it.

Going to another cup final would be an incredible experience for these players, but the club’s success and Pochettino’s ability to continue his work take precedence.

You certainly don’t want to end up like that team, which has lost two or three finals since winning the Champions League.

We’re the Premier League’s youngest side, so we need to get guys fit, and they are also young, so we have to get there first. Pochettino must keep telling them to be patient.

Because of his proven ability to nurture emerging talent, we must have faith in him.