Chelsea is concerned about a major injury setback before of a critical Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund.
According to sources, Chelsea are concerned that Thiago Silva will miss both vital matches against Leeds United and Borussia Dortmund owing to a knee injury.
The 38-year-old was pulled off in the first half of Chelsea’s 2-0 loss against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon, as the Blues suffered their third consecutive Premier League setback.
During the game, head coach Graham Potter issued an update on the Brazil defender, expressing hope that his absence will be brief.
“I’m not sure,” Potter said of Silva’s condition. “I hope it’s not too serious, but I haven’t talked to the doctor enough to give you a diagnosis.”
Chelsea plays Leeds United on Saturday afternoon before hosting Dortmund in the second leg of their Round of 16 Champions League clash next Tuesday at Stamford Bridge.
According to The Times, Silva might miss both Blues games, putting him out for at least a week.
He is now having a scan on his left knee, and Chelsea is waiting for the results.
Should Silva miss the two matches in the next eight days, Potter now has Trevoh Chalobah and Kalidou Koulibaly as the only completely fit and available central defenders for the Champions League games.
Cesar Azpilicueta is recovering from a head injury suffered against Southampton, and his return date is unknown, while Wesley Fofana made another step toward full health against Spurs after missing the previous match due to a knee ailment.
Benoit Badiashile is ineligible because Potter selected Enzo Fernandez, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Joo Félix for his 25-man Champions League roster for the remainder of the knockout stages.
The games against Leeds and Dortmund are said to be “make or break” for Potter’s future at Stamford Bridge, following a run of just two wins in their last 16 games in all competitions.
Chelsea’s recent form has left fans upset and dissatisfied. Since November 6, the Blues have only scored six goals in all competitions.
Chelsea are presently tenth in the Premier League and trail Dortmund by one goal following the first leg in Germany earlier this month.
