High-priced Chelsea midfielder unavailable for at least one month

A high-priced Chelsea midfielder is injured and will reportedly be unavailable to Mauricio Pochettino for at least one month. And The Pride of London discuss veteran centreback Thiago Silva as the Brazilian refuses to fully discuss his next career move.

I am aware that Pochettino sought to discover whether or not Enzo Fernandez is suited to a more attacking role. But I see the World Cup-winner in the deep-lying playmaker position next to Moises Caicedo. It didn’t take Caicedo much time to settle into rhythm with CFC, either. Therefore it will be difficult for Romeo Lavia to break into the Chelsea side when he is fit. That may not be until December:

"Romeo Lavia has taken a step forward in his comeback bid though is still expected to remain sidelined until late November at the earliest. Midfielder Lavia has been out with an ankle injury which he suffered in training last month. Lavia was edging closer to being ready to make his Chelsea debut following his £58m summer move from Southampton at the time but has seen that delayed due to the injury blow in which he suffered some ligament damage."

Will Chelsea defender Thiago Silva be at Stamford Bridge next season?

If Pochettino and/or the Chelsea ownership plan to allow Silva to leave Fulham Road, or don’t want to renew his deal, they may want to rethink. If the Brazil international does in fact leave the Bridge, a similarly experienced and talented player must be brought in to replace the departee. And, as we know, there is never an abundance of such skilled footballers, especially ones that want to join the Blues right now.

Why am I considering this eventuality? Well, all parties involved will be doing so, for a start. That is because Silva’s contract is up in July 2024, and there is currently uncertainty over his future. Clarity is partially absent due to the footballer’s refusal to divulge what is likely next in his impressive career.

Hearsay over the summer suggested the 39-year-old might consider returning to Brazil with top-flight team Fluminense. He was previously with Tricolor Flu Fluzao for three years. Silva prefers to remain silent on the matter at the moment, insisting that his family’s happiness is also an important factor.