Thiago Silva’s groin problem is leaving him racing to be fit for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final showdown against Liverpool, potentially his last chance to correct his winless run at Wembley Stadium.
The 39-year-old has played in three finals at the national stadium with Chelsea and ultimately lost them all: in the FA Cup against Leicester in 2021 and then in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup against Liverpool, both in 2022 and resolved by penalty. . shootings.
Silva missed the Premier League match against Manchester City on Saturday after suffering a groin problem in the previous game against Crystal Palace, described as “minor” by Mauricio Pochettino last week.
In his absence, Axel Disasi and Levi Colwill acted as a centre-back pairing at the Etihad Stadium and impressed in the 1-1 draw.
Disasi, in particular, demonstrated tremendous leadership on the defensive line and was named man of the match.
Thiago Silva’s groin problem leaves him in a race to be fit for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final
The 39-year-old defender was injured in the match against Crystal Palace
Silva is still overcoming the injury suffered at Selhurst Park and even if Chelsea doctors deem him fit before Sunday, Pochettino will have to decide whether to bring his experience back into the line-up or keep faith in his younger options.
Silva’s contract expires at the end of this season, so the Carabao Cup could be his last chance to lift a trophy at Wembley, unless Chelsea can reach the FA Cup final.