DEAN Smith has revealed Norwich loanee Billy Gilmour has gone back to parent club Chelsea to have an ankle injury assessment but does not expect the midfielder’s season-long loan spell to be cut short.
The Scotland international has been a regular under the Canaries boss since he replaced Daniel Farke in November but was not involved in Sunday’s FA Cup success over Charlton.
Gilmour, who was singled out for criticism from a small section of the Norwich faithful at Crystal Palace last month, sustained an injury in training and is set to miss the club’s remaining games in January.
Smith, speaking ahead of Wednesday’s trip to West Ham, said: “Billy has got a high ankle (sprain) injury so it will probably put him out for three or four weeks.
“He has gone back to Chelsea today for them to assess it but hopefully he will be back for his treatment and rehab over the next few days.”
Asked if Gilmour’s loan could be ended early, Smith insisted: “No, I don’t believe so. I don’t think the injury is significant enough for that.
“I believe it is an injury where he will be assessed by Chelsea and then sent back to us. Hopefully in the next three weeks he is back playing.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here