Chelsea suffer huge Thiago Silva injury setback as scans confirm Borussia Dortmund blow

Thiago Silva will miss both crucial matches against Leeds United and Borussia Dortmund due to a knee injury, according to reports.

The 38-year-old was forced off in the first half of Chelsea’s 2-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon as the Blues fell to another Premier League defeat – their third in a row in all competitions.

After the game, head coach Graham Potter provided an update on the Brazil defender and hoped his absence would not be too serious.

“I’m not sure,” responded Potter on Silva’s condition. “Hopefully it’s not too serious but I haven’t spoken to the doctor enough to have a diagnosis for you.”

Chelsea have crunch matches against Leeds United on Saturday afternoon, then facing Dortmund next Tuesday at Stamford Bridge for the second leg of their Round of 16 Champions League tie. 

The Times initially reported Silva could miss both fixtures for the Blues, fearing he could be sidelined for at least a week. 

Chelsea have now learned the results of the scan, as per Tom Roddy, and Silva will miss both of the games against Leeds and Dortmund.

Nizaar Kinsella reports Silva is expected to be out for up to six weeks.

With Silva missing the two matches in the next eight days, Potter currently has Trevoh Chalobah and Kalidou Koulibaly as the only recognised central defenders fully fit and available for the Champions League match.

Defender Cesar Azpilicueta is recovering from a head injury sustained against Southampton and his return remains unclear, while Wesley Fofana made another step to his road to full fitness against Spurs after absence, also through a knee injury.  

Benoit Badiashile is ineligible due to Potter opting to choose Enzo Fernandez, Mykhailo Mudryk and João Félix to be part of his 25-man Champions League squad for the rest of the knockout stages.  

It’s been reported that the games against Leeds and Dortmund could be ‘make or break’ over Potter’s future at Stamford Bridge after a run of just two wins in their last 16 games in all competitions.

Fans are becoming increasingly frustrated and disgruntled with Chelsea’s form. The Blues have only scored six goals in all competitions since November 6.

Chelsea are currently 10th in the Premier League and one nil down after the first leg in Germany earlier this month against Dortmund.

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