By Nathaniel Kay

Report: Chelsea set to be without key defender for Brentford clash following recent announcement

Chelsea will likely have to contest Brentford in their next Premier League match without the presence of Thiago Silva.

According to the Daily Mail, the Brazilian federation are preventing players from returning to England early ahead of domestic football’s restart.

The English top-flight is well represented in Brazil’s World Cup qualifying squad.

Members of Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Leeds United, Aston Villa and of course Chelsea’s camp were called up by their country.

Understandably, the first division clubs mentioned had ambitions of extracting their stars sooner than anticipated.

League action kicks off again on the 16^th of October, a day before Brazil’s final fixture against Uruguay.

This means it will be almost impossible for Silva to face Brentford, unless Chelsea undergo a mass injury crisis.

Silva a saviour

Even though the Blues are well stocked to cope without the centre-back, he has proved his importance to Thomas Tuchel once again this season.

Despite age constantly creeping into his legs, the 37-year-old continues to defy the sand timer.

He has played in each of the last five league outings, with a Champions League tie away to Juventus chucked in the middle.

His header kick-started the second half hammering of Tottenham Hotspur last month.

But Silva may have to leave the job of defeating Brentford to his younger colleagues.

Quality in reserve

Regulars Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger should be available, as their respective national team matches end on Monday and Tuesday.

Trevoh Chalobah remained at Cobham over the break after failing to be selected for England duty.

Cesar Azpilicueta will have nearly a week of recovery following the Nations League final between Spain and France.

So far, the only other current absentees alongside Silva are Reece James, Christian Pulisic and N’Golo Kante.

Kante recently tested positive for covid, whilst Pulisic’s rehab is reportedly going to be ramped up in order to overcome an ankle injury.

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Nathaniel Kay

"Nathaniel is a football journalist who graduated from the University of Derby. He worked at Burton Albion as part of their media team for two years. Nathaniel produced regular articles for the club’s official website and match-day programme. He covered the 2018 U20 Women’s World Cup in Brittany and has reported from grounds ranging from non-league up to the Premier League. Nathaniel is a full-time writer for the Chelsea Chronicle, and was formerly their social media man. His footballing career reached the sparkling heights of winning the Under-13s Bloxham Tournament in 2011."