Chelsea: What does Billy Gilmour’s return mean for the Blues?

Billy Gilmour is back in Chelsea training for the first time since July, but what does his return mean for the Blues as a whole?

Following a summer filled with new signings, one of the most exciting storylines is a player that’s been in Chelsea’s system since 2017. Injuries have derailed spectacular seasons for Blues players before and this case is no different. In a season that saw Frank Lampard’s side hit with a transfer ban, the then second-year manager turned to his youth team for inspiration and bodies. Suffice it to say, Lampard found that and more in a certain short Scotsman.

Billy Gilmour burst onto the scene after spending the prior seasons with the Rangers and Chelsea youth academies. The Scottish sensation made his first team debut for the Blues at the age of 18, one of the many teens to debut under the club legend turned manager. In a season filled with twists and turns at every corner, the youngster stole headlines any time he stepped foot on the field under the bright lights of the Premier League. His luck took a turn for the worst and he was sidelined for the better part of the last five months, but as October draws to a close, Gilmour found himself back on the practice pitch.

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Before beginning to understand what Gilmour’s return means for the Blues, it’s important to reflect on the breakthrough season he had with the big boys. The fringe first teamer was seemingly thrown to the wolves in his full debut. The Blues squared off against Liverpool in the FA Cup and although it was Gilmour’s first start, he hardly looked out of place. The young midfielder went on to win Man of the Match in back-to-back games (against Liverpool and Everton) before play was halted due to the Coronavirus. The hype around the Scot remained, despite the long break. Unfortunately, he suffered a knee injury in early July and had yet to practice since his surgery—until this week.

Gilmour’s return to the pitch gives the Blues depth in the middle of the park, first and foremost. Mason Mount and Kai Havertz have been worked to death in recent weeks, and it shows. It’ll be a breath of fresh air to see those two stars get rested every once and awhile—even though Gilmour won’t be match fit for a few weeks. The 19-year-old also gives Lampard a lot of tactical freedom. His knowledge of the game, commanding abilities and technical excellence allows him to slot in almost anywhere in midfield.

Another reason the return is significant is because it means Chelsea has a fully healthy squad for the first time in recent memory. Injuries plague every team in professional football, but the Blues have gotten the short end of the stick over the last few seasons. Things went from bad to worse with the congested fixtures over the last few months, so it’s good to see the injury sheet relatively clean. As previously mentioned, Gilmour won’t be ready to jump into action yet, but both he and Kepa Arrizabalaga are approaching full fitness once again.

Lampard, Petr Cech and Marina Granovskaia have constructed one of Europe’s strongest sides. The Blues are two-to-three players deep in nearly every position. Although Gilmour is one of the youngest in the team, it’d be silly to discount his importance. The ability shown by the youngster when opportunities were presented to him last year display to everyone that he is fully capable of holding his own against even the fiercest of foes.

Blues fans have yet to see the best from Gilmour. He’s got his whole career ahead of him—hopefully for our sake, in Chelsea blue—and his return feels like that of a new signing. Gilmour’s healthy presence will have a massive impact in terms of depth and flexibility to the Blues’ ranks.