Chelsea man Billy Gilmour out for four months after undergoing surgery
Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmour has been ruled out for up to four months after undergoing surgery on his knee.
The 19-year-old midfielder has enjoyed a fine breakthrough campaign at Stamford Bridge, but will not feature again this term.
The Scot started Chelsea's 3-2 Premier League win at Crystal Palace on Tuesday, but was replaced in the closing stages by Jorginho.
Lampard revealed he told Gilmour to be proud of his first senior year in west London.
"Billy Gilmour has had an operation on his knee this morning, so he will be out we estimate somewhere between three and four months unfortunately," said Lampard.
"I'm obviously very disappointed as we all are here and of course Billy himself.
"I spoke with him yesterday at length, and giving him support. He's a tough boy, it hit him hard especially as a young boy who has just made a breakthrough.
"But I told him he should be very pleased with what he's done and the impact he's had this season anyway. His attitude will get him back as quickly as he can.
"His character for me is fantastic, particularly with his age, to get himself around the first-team squad and push himself into the team.
"I'm sure he'll do everything right, put in the work and the rehab, and he has a very close-knit family around him who will help. But we're his family too, so we'll be there for him.
"Hopefully it will cover a period of the close season and into pre-season, so hopefully he's not missing as many games as he might have done."
Additional reporting by PA
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