Thiago Silva, a defender for Chelsea, had a groine injury during Monday’s 3-1 victory at Crystal Palace, and he will miss Saturday’s Premier League match against second-place Manchester City, according to manager Mauricio Pochettino.
After getting hurt trying to save Jean-Philippe Mateta’s shot in the second half, Brazilian Silva—who has played in 23 league games this season—left the field.
“Yes, minor injury … he (Silva) is out for tomorrow. He’s not available. Afterwards we need to assess him,” Pochettino told reporters on Friday.
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The manager also stated that Spanish custodian Robert Sanchez, who hasn’t played since December due to a knee injury, is available despite midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka’s twisted knee.
In November, Chelsea held City to a thrilling 4–4 draw at home, and Pochettino received a booking for his post-match tirade directed at referee Anthony Taylor.
“It is not going to happen again. I was so upset with the referee and I went like an arrow onto the pitch for the referee.
“It was a big mistake … I feel really bad so I apologise again,” Pochettino said of the incident.
He continued by saying Chelsea will have to attack when playing City.
“You need to be brave, to force them to defend, to run backwards, face to the goal,” he said.
“It’s a team that can dominate you and it’s going to make (you) suffer. I think the most important thing that we realised is we need to attack.”
Cole Palmer, an England midfielder for Chelsea, will make his City debut on Saturday after spending 13 years there before departing during the offseason.
“He is very grateful for Man City and he left the club as he wanted to find another challenge,” Pochettino said of the 21-year-old.
“Man City are doing really well and are one of the best teams in the world, it is not easy to find a space for a young guy,” he added.
Chelsea, in 10th place with 34 points, is eighteen points behind City, who are attempting to win their fourth championship in a row.
Although they still have a game remaining, City leads Chelsea by 18 points.