Huge Blow As Chelsea Key Defender Suffers Knee Ligament Damage

A knee injury to Chelsea defender Thiago Silva is reportedly expected to keep him out of action for six weeks, dealing Graham Potter yet another setback.

The Brazilian defender was substituted from the field during Chelsea’s 2-0 defeat to Tottenham on Sunday. According to the Evening Standard, the club is concerned that the 38-year-medial old’s cruciate ligament damage will prevent him from returning to the field until April.

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The news comes as a significant setback to the Blues, who were scheduled to play Leeds United in the Premier League on Saturday before hosting Borussia Dortmund for a critical Champions League round of 16 second-leg matchup at Stamford Bridge. Currently, they are down 1-0 overall to the German powerhouse.

An official statement released by Chelsea on Tuesday morning reads: “Having sustained a knee injury during the first half of Sunday’s match against Tottenham Hotspur, Thiago underwent further assessment and a scan on his return to the training centre on Monday.

“Scan results from those assessments have confirmed damage to Thiago’s knee ligaments and he will now work closely with the club’s medical department during his rehabilitation to return to action as soon as possible.”

As César Azpilicueta was forced out against Southampton with a severe head injury, Silva took over as Chelsea captain against Tottenham. Sadly, he was only able to play for 19 minutes before being replaced by Wesley Fofana.

Graham Potter’s job security is being questioned after an extravagant January transfer window that saw him sign players like Enzo Fernandez, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Benoit Badiashile. Chelsea have lost their last six games across all competitions.

Silva is expected to miss six games for the struggling Blues, who are currently down in tenth place in the Premier League standings, should his injury rehabilitation timetable be verified.

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Although Todd Boehly and the board have supported Potter despite a string of defeats, the manager’s future may be decided in the upcoming games, and Silva’s absence won’t help matters.