Oops.

Our website is temporarily unavailable in your location.

We are working hard to get it back online.

PRIVACY
Chelsea

Thomas Tuchel outlines the one reason Billy Gilmour started for Chelsea against Fulham

The Scotland international was brought into the Chelsea starting XI for this afternoon's Premier League clash against Fulham

Billy Gilmour was handed a start against Fulham(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

Thomas Tuchel has explained why he handed Billy Gilmour his first Premier League start of the season in Chelsea's west London derby against Fulham.

The 19-year-old has been on the fringes of the Blues squad since the arrival of the German coach, who stopped the midfielder from leaving Stamford Bridge on loan at the end of the January transfer window.

Gilmour has only featured in the FA Cup victories over Barnsley and Sheffield United following Tuchel's appointment and had only been included in the Premier League match-day squad on five occasions prior to today's game.

Yet, with the second leg of Chelsea's Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid to come on Wednesday evening, Tuchel threw the Scotland Under-21 international into his starting XI.

Thomas Tuchel Makes Ruben Loftus-cheek To Michael Ballack Comparison

"Hopefully, he does what he does in training," Tuchel told Sky Sports ahead of the match.

"This is why he deserves to start. It is also because of the fact we wanted to give Jorgi (Jorginho)and N'Golo [Kante] a well-deserved rest. But this is how it is as a young player, you wait for your opportunity and we've put him in a position where he feels comfortable.

"He's waited long, worked hard, and I don't want him to overdo stuff. It's pretty exciting for him and hopefully, he shows what he shows in training."

Tuchel made five changes to his starting XI against Scott Parker's side, a decision he admits was taken because of various fitness concerns to key players.