Frank Lampard Reports How Long The Chelsea Youngster Gilmour Will Be Out

Frank Lampard has confirmed young midfielder Billy Gilmour has undergone surgery on his knee.

At his media conference on Friday afternoon, it was the first subject raised when the Chelsea boss was asked questions, following reports the 19-year-old, who started our most recent game at Crystal Palace on Tuesday, had suffered an injury.

‘Billy Gilmour has had an operation on his knee this morning,’ Lampard said.

‘Unfortunately we estimate he will be out for somewhere between three and four months. I am obviously very disappointed as we all are here, and Billy is himself. I spoke with him yesterday at length and just gave him support, being there for him.

‘He is a tough boy, it has hit him hard, I get that particularly as a younger player who has just made a breakthrough in recent times and was doing so well, but it is part of football and I tried to explain to him he should be very pleased with what he has done, the impact he has had this season anyway.

‘Part of our job as players is to get on with things, he will learn that very quickly, and his attitude will get him back as quick as he possibly can.’

Speaking further on the player’s character, the boss described it as fantastic, and added: ‘Particularly with his age and the personality that he has shown in and around the first team squad, getting himself into the team, I am very sure he will show the same character getting over the injury.

‘He will do everything right, he will put in the work and the rehab and mentally he’ll tackle it. He has a close-knit family around him and will be there for him, and we are his family too and we will be there for him, and the small bonus is hopefully it will cover a period which is off-season and maybe pre-season, so hopefully he is not missing as many games as he might have done’

On other injuries, Lampard reports N’Golo Kante remains unavailable with his hamstring strain. Fikayo Tomori is close to fitness but will not be involved tomorrow against Sheffield United, however Mateo Kovacic is back in the squad.