Chelsea could recall Scotland star Billy Gilmour in January if he doesn’t get more game time at struggling Norwich City.
The European Champions are frustrated that the young playmaker hasn’t played for the Premier League ’s bottom side since September 11th.
Chelsea head coach Tomas Tuchel has already spoken to Norwich boss Daniel Farke about the situation but wants Gilmour to give it his best go between now and when the transfer window re-opens - when Chelsea have the option to terminate the loan.
Gilmour, despite his lack of playing time, will be named in Steve Clarke’s squad on Tuesday for the World Cup qualifiers with Moldova and Denmark.
Tuchel said: “We will take the decision in January. That’s when decisions have to be made, not now.
“I spoke with Daniel about it and I was happy to meet with Billy around the (Norwich) match.
“The things were clear when we decided together (in the summer), that he was looking for more minutes and game time at another club. The challenge was clear that he has to fight his way through. This is where it is right now.”
But while there is an option to bring the rising star back, Tuchel has challenged Gilmour to try and win his fight for a first-team slot at Norwich.
The German boss added: “Things are not going as he maybe wishes and what we all wish for. But it is not the moment to give solutions and cancel a whole project.
“Sometimes these weeks and months arrive where the situation seems to be stuck or is not going the right way. You have to hang in there, show your quality and make sure you help your team, no matter where it is. That sharpens your character and it will be a big chapter in your career. That’s the same for Billy.
“For me right now it is not the moment to already give solutions for January or open the talks to bringing him back. It is the start of November, there are still two months to go. There is a lot of time to prove he has enough quality and help Norwich to be a better team.”
Clarke also has defensive issues ahead of his squad announcement.
Grant Hanley will be assessed by Norwich City on Tuesday on a groin issue and Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney is still struggling with an ankle knock.
The Scotland boss also has to decide whether to bring in new strikers with Lyndon Dykes and Ryan Christie suspended for the Moldova game, although Celtic’s James Forrest could return after injury.
