Just in: Tuchel confirms key defender will miss crucial Liverpool clash
Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that Thiago Silva will miss tomorrow’s clash with Liverpool with the Chelsea defender not yet fit to return from a hamstring injury.
Silva has not featured for a month since being substituted during the 1-0 win at Tottenham on February 4, though the Brazilian has since returned to first-team training as he works his way back to full fitness.
Tuchel has confirmed that the 36-year-old will not be risked against Liverpool tomorrow, however, insisting the centre-back is ‘not at 100 per cent’ ahead of a huge clash with their top four rivals.
‘Thiago made his first training with the team but did not finish the last exercise, not because of any pain but just to be aware of taking a risk,’ he told his pre-match press conference.
‘I assume he will train today but he is not at 100 per cent so he will not join the squad for Liverpool.’
Tuchel also provided updates on both Callum Hudson-Odoi and Tammy Abraham, the former having been withdrawn at half-time of the goalless draw with Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.
The 20-year-old has since returned to training and will be available for tomorrow’s trip to Anfield, though Abraham will be assessed by the club’s medical staff after having ‘some problems’ with his ankle.
‘Everyone else is available. Callum has no issue at all. He was training full with the team yesterday.
‘Tammy had some problems yesterday on his ankle again. Let’s see how this works out today.’
Chelsea currently sit fifth in the Premier League and are one point adrift of fourth-placed West Ham in the race for Champions League football, ahead of tomorrow’s clash with a Liverpool side just one point and one place further back.