Frank Lampard took his Sheffield United pre-match press conference this lunchtime, and he had some hugely disappointing injury news to deliver us.
There were rumours circulating yesterday that 19-year old rising star, Billy Gilmour, had picked up a knee injury in the game against Crystal Palace this week, sparking fears that he will miss the rest of this season.
Lampard has confirmed this news today, and it is actually even worse than first believed after the young Scot underwent knee surgery.
As reported by Football London, Lampard said:
“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. I’m obviously very disappointed as we all are here and of course Billy himself
“I spoke with him yesterday at length, just giving him support and being there for him.
“But it is part of football, and I tried to explain to him he should be very pleased with what he’s done and the impact he’s had this season anyway.
“Part of our job as players is to get on with these things, and he will learn that lesson quickly. His attitude will get him back as quickly as he can, and that’s the story.
“His character for me is fantastic, particularly with his age, the personality that he’s shown to get himself around the first team squad and push himself into the team.
“I’m very sure that he’ll show the same character with this, in that he’ll do everything right, put in the work and the rehab to tackle it, 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.
“The small bonus is 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.”
Lampard is without N’Golo Kante and Gilmour for the big Premier League clash tomorrow evening as they fight to qualify for Champions League football.
He does have Mateo Kovacic back in his squad though, and of course Jorginho is still waiting patiently for more minutes.
Lampard on team news beyond Gilmour's injury: "Kante is not fit, Kovacic is fit, Tomori is bordering on fit but might not be in the squad."
On Jorginho: "We will see, in terms of selection, but I don't think there is a point to prove." #CFC #SHUCHE
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) July 10, 2020
