Chelsea Stars Surprised By Thomas Tuchel's Billy Gilmour Decision In Pre-Season

Several Chelsea players were surprised by Thomas Tuchel’s decision to remove Billy Gilmour from the first-team’s squad during their pre-season tour of America.

The 21-year-old returned from an underwhelming season-long loan at Norwich City and was expected to be handed the opportunity to impress Tuchel.

This was made even more likely due to the fact that Chelsea duo N’Golo Kante and Ruben Loftus-Cheek did not travel with the squad due to their Covid-19 vaccination status.

Chelsea’s Billy Gilmour during a Premier League match at Stamford Bridge. (Alamy)

However, despite a shortage of midfielders in the pre-season squad, Tuchel opted to allow Gilmour to leave their USA camp alongside Harvey Vale and Tino Anjorin. 

Speaking on the decision,Tuchel said: "We know the players very well. We know Tino pretty well, Billy Gilmour pretty well, and Harvey Vale because he trained with us last season. 

"The decisions (on Gilmour, Anjorin and Vale) we took, I didn't like them to be honest because all the players deserved to stay here. All of the players deserved to stay here and play here.”

The Scotland international has since been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge, with former boss Frank Lampard said to be interested in bringing him to Everton.

It is unclear as to whether this would be on a loan deal or for a permanent transfer as Chelsea could lose one of their young stars.

With Anjorin departing for Huddersfield Town on a season-long loan, Gilmour could be on his way for a similar path after the pair left Chelsea’s pre-season camp.

As reported by Adam Newson of football.london, the decision to send Gilmour away surprised several members of Tuchel’s squad.

Ross Barkley missed the final two friendlies of the tour with injury as Conor Gallagher struggled in midfield as Chelsea lost on penalties to Charlotte FC before being embarrassed in a 4-0 defeat to Arsenal.

Billy Gilmour and Conor Gallagher in action. (Alamy)

Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic, Mason Mount, Gallagher and Ethan Ampadu were all utilised in midfield, with the prior three not thought to be naturals in the deeper midfield positions.

The decision to send Gilmour away, therefore, confused members of the first-team squad, who have been training with the youngster ahead of the new season.

It remains to be seen as to what the future for Gilmour holds as the Blues return to Cobham.

It is unclear as to whether the Scotland international will join back up with Tuchel’s squad or look to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, with just two weeks before the new Premier League season kicks off.