Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino did not plan for Thiago Silva to play in all of the Blues’ games this season.
That is according to Telegraph journalist Matt Law, who has been speaking on the London Is Blue Podcast.
Thiago Silva has been an ever-present in the Premier League this season, starting in all eight of Chelsea’s fixtures so far.
The centre-back is now 39 years of age, but injuries to the likes of Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile have prevented him from getting much rest.
Mauricio Pochettino forced to play Thiago Silva in every game
Law says it was never the plan for Pochettino to use Silva in every fixture.
On the Brazilian, he said: “You would hope that Thiago would at least get the Carabao Cup off because Thiago can’t just keep playing every single game. That was never the plan. Injuries have forced that hand.”
When does Thiago Silva’s contract expire?
Chelsea may not be able to rely on Silva for too much longer.
The former Paris Saint-Germain captain is approaching 40 and his contract at Stamford Bridge expires at the end of the season.
However, with Silva still being so key for the Blues, they should consider extending it.
Despite his age, the Brazil international is still an excellent defender and is proving that he can still play at this level, with his Chelsea team-mate Levi Colwill describing him as “amazing”.
Once Badiashile returns from injury, for example, Silva may see his game time decrease. But if he is happy to accept a reduced role, then it is definitely worth Chelsea keeping him around for a bit longer, with Pochettino’s squad really lacking experience and leaders at this moment in time.
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