Chelsea defender Thiago Silva has been left out of his side’s trip to face Krasnodar in the Champions League because he’s been rested, Frank Lampard has confirmed.
The Brazilian was not part of the squad that flew to Russia this afternoon, sparking fears that the 35-year-old has sustained an injury.
Silva was impressive in Chelsea’s 0-0 draw with Manchester United on Saturday, making two crucial blocks towards the end to keep out Edinson Cavani.
The Daily Mail claim Silva has simply been rested for the trip and has no underlying issue ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League clash against Burnley this weekend.
Asked about Silva’s absence, Lampard insisted there was no injury issue and that he was focused on the group that did travel.
‘Everyone else here is fit and available,’ said Lampard.
Silva’s absence means it’s likely one of Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen or Fikayo Tomori will likely partner Kurt Zouma in central defence in south Russia.
Kepa was another notable absentee but the Spaniard is believed to have sustained a shoulder injury in training which has prevented him from travelling.
Chelsea’s squad to face Krasnodar: Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen, Jorginho, N’Golo Kante, Tammy Abraham, Christian Pulisic, Timo Werner, Willy Caballero, Fikayo Tomori, Kurt Zouma, Edouard Mendy, Mateo Kovacic, Olivier Giroud, Mason Mount, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Ben Chilwell, Hakim Ziyech, Reece James, Cesar Azpilicueta, Kai Havertz, Emerson Palmieri, Karlo Ziger
