Billy
Gilmour is expected to be out for up to four months after a knee operation
on Friday, Chelsea head coach Frank Lampard has confirmed.
The midfielder suffered the knee injury in a 19th-minute collision with Luka
Milivojevic during Chelsea's 3-2 win over Crystal Palace.
Gilmour, who has enjoyed an impressive breakthrough campaign at Chelsea
making 11 first-team appearances, played on at Selhurst Park until he was
later substituted for Jorginho in the 80th minute.
"Billy had an operation on his knee [Friday] morning, we estimate he will be
out for between three and four months unfortunately," Lampard said.
"I am obviously very disappointed as we all are here and Billy is himself. I
spoke with him yesterday at length. [We are] giving him support and being
there for him.
"He is a tough boy and it will hit him hard, particularly as a younger
player who has just made a breakthrough.
"He was doing so well but this is part of football, I tried to explain that
to him. He should be very pleased with what he has done, the impact he has
had this season.
"His attitude will get him back as quick as he can, his character is
fantastic, particularly with his age. The personality he has shown to get
himself into the first team, I'm very sure he will show the same character
in doing everything right with his rehab.
"He has a close knit family who will be there for him. The small bonus is
that hopefully it will cover a period that is off season."
'Jorginho has nothing to prove'
Jorginho could now step up to start his first match since football's
resumption in Sunday's clash at Sheffield United.
N'Golo Kante will miss out again, however, due to a hamstring issue, while
Mateo Kovacic will come back into contention after a knock.
Former Napoli player Jorginho has been linked with a return to Serie A with
Juventus, and has found himself down the Blues' pecking order since the
league's restart.
But Lampard insisted the 28-year-old has nothing to prove to anyone at
Stamford Bridge.
"I don't think there's a point to prove, there is no point to prove,"
Lampard added.
"He proves it in training and when he plays for me. I hope there isn't a
point to prove as such, I just want to see the usual Jorginho."
When asked whether Jorginho would be a Chelsea player next season, Lampard
only added: "I keep getting asked about next season, but it's irrelevant to
me; these final few games will define how we sit and look at this season and
look forward to next."
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