‘He has these three big problems’- Tuchel reveals why Gilmour is yet to play
As we all know Chelsea young midfielder Billy Gilmour has made just one appearance for Chelsea since Thomas Tuchel replaced Frank Lampard as manager at the end of January.
Gilmour had hoped to leave the club on loan in January to improve his chances of playing for Scotland at the European Championship this summer but that was blocked by Tuchel.
Gilmour’s chances of playing in the European Championship now looks slim after he has been overlooked by Steve Clarke for the Scotland’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Austria, Israel and the Faroe Islands.
Chelsea boss Tuchel has defended his decision to keep Billy Gilmour at Chelsea but admits the midfielder has ‘three big problems’ in front of him in N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho.
Tuchel is also adamant that Gilmour is a vital part of Chelsea’s squad, despite his lack of playing time.
“It’s absolutely no mistake,” said Tuchel. “It was unfortunately not his choice. It was my choice. The choice was made for Chelsea and not for the personal goals of Billy.
“He accepted it in a five-minute talk. I hope he knows how much I appreciate him.
“He has three big problems: N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho.
“I can only strongly recommend the Scottish national team to nominate him because this guy trains on the highest level. They should not be worried about his ability to compete.
“We talk now several times because sometimes he does not make it to the 18 because we play with two central midfielders and I already have one of the three guys I mentioned on the bench.
“But it does not mean like when you are out of the squad that you first have to find your way back to the bench. You can start the next game.
“I am happy he is here. We need a strong four midfielders.”