(Reuters) – Chelsea’s Thiago Silva will not be able to play in their game against Manchester City on Saturday due to a groin injury sustained during Monday’s match against Crystal Palace, manager Mauricio Pochettino confirmed. The Brazilian defender, who has appeared in 23 league matches this season, left the field in the second half after being injured while trying to block Jean-Philippe Mateta’s shot.
Pochettino informed reporters on Friday, “Yes, minor injury … he (Silva) is out for tomorrow. He’s not available. Afterwards we need to assess him.” The manager also revealed that midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka will also be absent from the game due to a twisted knee, but Spanish goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, who has been out since December with a knee injury, is available for selection.
Chelsea previously held City to a 4-4 draw at home in November, a match which saw Pochettino receiving a booking for an outburst aimed at referee Anthony Taylor. Reflecting on the incident, Pochettino said, “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 emphasized that facing City would require Chelsea to adopt an attacking approach, stating, “You need to be brave, to force them to defend, to run backwards, face to the goal. 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.”
Saturday’s game will see Chelsea’s England midfielder Cole Palmer return to City, where he spent 13 years before leaving in the close season. Pochettino commented on Palmer’s return, saying, “He is very grateful for Man City and he left the club as he wanted to find another challenge. 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.”
Chelsea, currently 10th in the standings with 34 points, are 18 points behind City. City are currently in pursuit of their fourth consecutive title and are trailing leaders Liverpool by two points with a game in hand. (Reporting by Chiranjit Ojha in Bengaluru; Editing by Ken Ferris)
