Billy Gilmour refuses to rule out Chelsea exit

Billy Gilmour has hinted that he would consider an exit from Chelsea if he cannot break back into the starting lineup.

After missing four months with a knee injury, Gilmour will start for Chelsea when they take on FC Krasnodar in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.

However, with a number of players now ahead of him in the pecking order, the 19-year-old has suggested that he may look at his options if he is restricted to substitute outings during the second half of the season.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference, the Scot said: "I am a Chelsea player right now. I don't know what the future holds, but I am proud to be here and playing games and will have to wait to see what happens.

"The gaffer has been really good with me. He has been speaking to me while I have been injured. I need to work hard here and get my opportunity and when I do, hopefully, I take it and play well. It has been a long time out with my first major injury."

Frank Lampard has already insisted that Gilmour will not be loaned out during the January transfer window.