The Blues have been handed a crushing blow heading into a critical week in terms of Graham Potter’s future at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have revealed that Thiago Silva has been ruled out for at least six weeks, having suffered a knee ligament injury after being substituted in the first half against Tottenham on Sunday.
The Brazilian collided with Harry Kane while attempting to block a shot. He received a brief treatment from the physios before walking back onto the pitc, but after falling again, Wesley Fofana was brought in to replace him.
A statement released by the club on Tuesday morning reads: “Having sustained a knee injury during the first half of Sunday’s match against Tottenham Hotspur, Thiago underwent further assessment and a scan on his return to the training centre on Monday.”
“Scan results from those assessments have confirmed damage to Thiago’s knee ligaments and he will now work closely with the club’s medical department during his rehabilitation to return to action as soon as possible.”
The news comes as a significant blow to the Blues, with a crucial week in regards to Graham Potter’s future at the club.
The Blues are due to face Leeds United in the Premier League on Saturday before welcoming Borussia Dortmund to Stamford Bridge for a vital Champions League round of 16 second-leg tie.
Graham Potter on Thiago’s injury
After the game against Spurs, Chelsea boss Graham Potter commented over Thiago’s injury. The 47-year-old said: “I’m not sure. Hopefully it’s not too serious but I haven’t spoken to the doctor enough to have a diagnosis for you.”
The former-Brighton manager had leaned on Silva to captain the team in the absence of Cesar Azpilicueta.
However, the Brazilian’s injury will only make life more difficult for Potter, who is under under extreme pressure for delivering results.
Silva has been in outstanding form this year and his losing him will impact the defense line for sure.
The struggling Blues are 14 points off the top 4 in the Premier League and the absence of the Brazilian might increase the difference.
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