Midfielder Thiago Silva has returned to training with his teammates ahead of the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.
Thiago reappears after nearly 2 months of injury
During Chelsea’s training session today at Cobham training centre, centre-back Thiago Silva appeared and fully joined his team-mates. The Brazilian star is fresh again after nearly 2 months of treatment for a serious knee injury.
Thiago Silva was injured in the derby against Tottenham at the end of February. The 38-year-old star has not played since. The absence of the Brazilian leader is the main reason why Chelsea’s defense is uncertain and unstable in recent times.
Silva’s return is good news for coach Frank Lampard and Chelsea as they prepare for the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid. Speaking of experience at Europe’s most prestigious playground, no player at Chelsea can compare to the former PSG star.
Against an old and dirty opponent like Real Madrid, Silva’s experience and leadership will be of great help to Chelsea. But it remains to be seen whether Lampard dares to boldly use Silva during his trip to Madrid because the Brazilian midfielder has been out of action for nearly two months and has only just recovered from an injury.
The Champions League is the only chance for Chelsea to escape the title empty-handed this season. Because, they have been eliminated from 2 domestic cup competitions and even find it difficult to compete in the top 4 of the Premier League. On the table, the Blues are only 11th, 17 points behind the 4th ranked team Man Utd.
After the great battle against Real Madrid, Chelsea will face Brighton at the weekend. These are two big challenges for Lampard after he failed on his debut (lost to Wolves 0-1).