Scottish young Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmore has undergone an operation on his knee and may be out of action for a maximum of four months, as coach Frank Lampard revealed Friday.
Lampard said at a press conference: "Billy Gilmore underwent surgery this morning Friday and will unfortunately be out of action for a period of 3 to 4 months."
"I talked to him a long time yesterday (Thursday) to give him my support. He is tough, but he was moved because he started to find his place in the squad."
Gilmore came out injured in the late game of his team against Crystal Palace (3-2) last Tuesday.
Gilmore participated this season in six league matches and five cup matches in the middle of the stadium, the most intense competition between experienced players such as French Ngolo Kanti, Croatian Matteo Kovacevic and Brazilian Georginho.
"He (Gilmore) has a great personality, especially with this young age, who imposed himself in the group and then in the squad," said Lampard, who relied on some of the young players this season, including Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham and Reis James.