Tuchel keen for Gilmour to stay at Norwich

Thomas Tuchel has appeared to rule out recalling Billy Gilmour from the midfielder’s loan spell at Norwich City.

The youngster, who moved to Carrow Road on a season-long deal, has recently been left out by Canaries boss Daniel Farke.

That prompted reports that Chelsea could take up an option to end the loan when the transfer window reopens in January.

But Blues boss Tuchel has insisted he wants Gilmour to prove himself at Norwich.

“I love Billy and I have always loved him,” Tuchel said.

“He decided to go to have a bigger chance to play some minutes. That is important.

“First of all I want him to perform. If you decide to go on loan, and I don’t mean it harshly, then you need to perform.

“We love Billy and we are very aware of what he can do, but changing club is always a risk and a huge step and can also be positive.

“He needs to overcome adversity and now is not the time to speak about coming back – it’s time to fight for his place and show what he can do.

“No coach in the world leaves the best players out. He needs to prove that Norwich is a better team with him and I trust that he can do that and hopefully he does not lose trust in himself and can turn things around again.”

Meanwhile, Tuchel has confirmed that Chelsea strikers Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner will miss at least the next two matches.