There is a chance that while most of the reasoning behind the Gilmour loan was to get him consistent game time in the Premier League, it could be because the Chelsea brass wish to clear a spot in the squad for Loftus-Cheek for one more go.
He needs to be under pressure and play every game like a cup final.
Loftus-Cheek failed to impress at Craven Cottage and he arrived back at Chelsea in pre-season with little expectations surrounding him.
He was sidelined for nearly a year with his calf size shrinking by half, which caused some to suggest it was a career-ending injury, and for a while that seemed true.
That will take time to rebuild but that is not the only concern.
He has been preferred to both Jorginho and N'Golo Kante separately in recent weeks and it's no surprise.