Billy Gilmour, the Scottish midfielder, who has emerged as a future star for Chelsea FC in recent months, has been ruled out for the remainder of the current season. The 19-year old has suffered a knee injury that would keep him out of action for up to three months.
The midfielder had started Chelsea FC’s last game which was a 2-3 win away at Crystal Palace earlier this week. However, the youngster had to be taken off with ten minutes remaining on the board with Gilmour complaining of a knee-related issue.
Gilmour’s injury means that the midfielder would miss the Blues’ reaming fixtures in the Premier League. Moreover, the player would also sit of Chelsea FC’s games in the Champions League which are to be held next month. Frank Lampard’s side are due to face Bayern Munich in the second leg of their round of 16 tie.
After making his debut for Chelsea FC last year against Sheffield United, Gilmour has developed into a fine player under Lampard’s guidance. The 19-year old was in terrific form against Liverpool FC earlier this year in the FA Cup tie between the two sides. Since then, Gilmour has been given many playing opportunities by Lampard in the Chelsea FC first-team squad.
An injury curtailing Gilmour’s presence for the Blues would add to Frank Lampard’s existing midfield concerns. First-choice starters N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic are already on the sidelines, with both central midfielders recovering from a hamstring issue and an Achilles problem respectively.
Gilmour’s absence for up to three months means the Scottish international could also miss Chelsea FC’s pre-season games. However, Lampard would be hoping that the 19-year old regain his fitness ahead of the start of the 2020-21 Premier League campaign.
In recent games, the Chelsea FC boss has preferred to start Gilmour over Jorginho in the Blues’ starting lineup. In the absence of both Kante and Kovacic, Jorginho, who is also the side’s vice-captain, was expected to lead the midfield three for Chelsea FC. However, Lampard has entrusted his faith in Gilmour alongside Ross Barkley and Mason Mount.
