Chelsea: Thiago Silva may return for this important game as injury time frame revealed

Chelsea have been handed their biggest injury blow of the season, that too at a crucial juncture in the season as Thiago Silva is set to be sidelined for six weeks. CFC will now have to cope without their defensive rock and arguably their most consistent player on the team.

Silva and Kalidou Kaoulibaly started as central defence partners against Tottenham Hotpsur but after just 19 minutes, the 38 year old had was forced off the pitch, following a knee injury. Initially, the reports suggested that the Brazilian centre back would miss just a week of action but extensive reports now suggest a much longer time on the sidelines.

Chelsea confirmed that Silva has knee ligament damage but has been lucky to avoid an ACL tear that would have ended his season prematurely. According to Evening Standard, the Blues could be without Silva for up to six weeks because of his knee injury.

Thiago Silva ruled out for six weeks but could make a comeback for Manchester United vs Chelsea

After colliding in the game against Tottenham, the 38 year old underwent scans on his left knee and CFC fear that he may have damaged his medial collateral ligament. The Brazilian defender could miss as many as eight games if he remains out for the next six weeks.

He is set to miss crunch UEFA Champions League tie against Borussia Dortmund. Silva will also miss important league clash against Liverpool in the first week of April. However, if he remains out for next six weeks, Chelsea will be hoping for his return before the Manchester United clash on 22nd April at Old Trafford.

Silva has been quintessential to Chelsea’s defence, marshaling the backline and acting as a helping figure to Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile. CFC do have enough options to cover for Silva but his presence and aura in the Chelsea team are unparalleled. Fofana, Badiashile, Koulibaly and Trevoh Chalobah are options available to Graham Potter in the Premier League. However, in the Champions League, Potter will only be able to call Fofana, Koulibaly and Chalobah as Badiashile is unregistered.

Silva signed a one year extension at the club recently as he continues to go strong at 38. CFC host Leeds United on Saturday and while Silva has been ruled out, the Blues will be delighted to see the returns of N’Golo Kante and Christian Pulisic. Both of them have returned to training and could possibly be available for selection.

Will the absence of Thiago Silva hurt Chelsea?