Frank Lampard has confirmed Thiago Silva has been left out of Chelsea’s trip to face Krasnodar in the UEFA Champions League because he’s been rested.
The veteran defender was not part of the squad that flew to Russia ahead of their game with Krasnodar, sparking fears that the 35-year-old has sustained an injury.
Silva was very impressive in Chelsea’s goalless draw with Manchester United on Saturday, making two important blocks towards the end of the game to keep out Edinson Cavani.
According to Daily Mail, Silva has only been rested for the trip and has no injury problem ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League meeting with Burnley this weekend.
Asked about Silva’s absence, Frank Lampard said there was no injury issue and that he was mainly focused on the group that did travel for the game. ‘Everyone else here is fit and available,’ the Chelsea manager said.
Silva’s absence on Wednesday means it’s likely one of Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen or Fikayo Tomori that will partner Kurt Zouma in defence in south Russia.
On Rudiger’s return to the team, Lampard said: “I’ve had discussions. I saw the story. I’ve always had a positive relationship with him. “Sometimes players are out of the squad but he is very much in contention to play.”
Kepa was another player who did not travel but the Spanish keeper is believed to have sustained a shoulder injury in training which has prevented him from joining his teammates.
