ARTICLES

Tuchel explains why veteran star sat out of Chelsea win vs Porto

Thomas Tuchels explains decision to leave out Thiago Silva for Chelsa against Porto

Speaking to BT Sport (h/t Metro) on Wednesday night, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel revealed that Thiago Silva missed the clash against FC Porto as he was not completely match-fit.

However, he was fully fit to start their last Premier League game against West Bromwich Albion. The Brazilian was torrid in that outing and cost him an embarrassing loss against a relegation-threatened side.

The former PSG defender was sent off just before the half-hour mark with the Blues 1-0 in front. But his red card paved the way for the Baggies to score 5 and end the match with a 5-2 win over the top-4 hopefuls.

Thiago Silva was left out for Chelsea against Porto in the UEFA Champions League. (imago Images)

But Tuchel confirmed that Silva was not dropped because of his outing against West Brom. The Brazilian international was simply not fully match fit.

“Well, he had only half an hour and all the other guys are totally fit. It’s not the moment to improve your fitness level in a quarter-final. Thiago is a super important player but is not fully fit for 90 minutes on highest level.”

Positive news all around

The Blues opted with a 3-man centre-back trio of Antonio Rudiger, Cesar Azpilicueta and the returning Andreas Christensen, who sat out our last league game before being brought on after Silva’s sending off.

Chelsea beat Porto 2-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie. (imago Images)

N’Golo Kante returned from his injury to make the bench. The Frenchman replaced Mason Mount in the 80th minute when Chelsea were 1-0 up.

The decision to go with that backline worked well as the Blues kept a clean sheet. An 85th-minute goal from Ben Chilwell meant that the 2012 UEFA Champions League winners had one foot in the semi-final this year.

More Chelsea News

The return leg will now be played on Tuesday night, with Chelsea having two precious away goals. But before that, a London derby against Crystal Palace on Saturday awaits.

Aniket Rai

Just a football fan, doing what he loves.

Recent Posts

Chelsea star backed to make Old Trafford switch; ‘fresh opportunity’ on the cards

Jadon Sancho has hit the ground running in his season-long loan at Chelsea, with the Blues eyeing a permanent deal…

5 days ago

Chelsea star to push for Stamford Bridge exit; Manchester United keen

Chelsea appear to be rediscovering their form under Enzo Maresca, aiming for a top-four finish as they currently sit third…

5 days ago

Chelsea are eager to make a massive move for Barcelona right-back

In their bid to further bolster their defense, Chelsea are aiming to make a big move for the star right-back…

1 week ago

Chelsea unwilling to sanction sale of 10-goal star to Premier League rival

Christopher Nkunku is keen to leave Chelsea in January over lack of game time in the Premier League There has…

1 week ago

Chelsea lead the race for 23-goal European star to address striking woes

Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres is on the radar of Chelsea Chelsea are riding high in the Premier League, sitting…

1 week ago

Chelsea shortlist two names as Maresca keen to strengthen one key area

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca eyeing defensive reinforcements in January Chelsea could well find themselves in the market to improve their…

1 week ago