Chelsea will have to make do without Thiago Silva for at least one more match, manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed on Wednesday.
Silva has been out with a thigh injury for over a month, and although he's since rejoined training with the rest of his teammates, Tuchel said it's still too early to include the Brazilian defender in the Chelsea squad to face Liverpool in a crucial Premier League clash on Thursday.
"Thiago made his first training with the team but did not finish the last exercise, not because of any pain but just to be aware of taking a risk," Tuchel said ahead of his team's training session on Wednesday. "I assume he will train today but he is not at 100 per cent so he will not join the squad for Liverpool."
Tuchel added that Callum Hudson-Odoi, who exited Sunday's 0-0 draw with Manchester United at halftime, "has no issue at all" and should be ready to face Liverpool. Additionally, Tammy Abraham will be a last-minute decision after missing out on Sunday's stalemate.
"Tammy had some problems yesterday on his ankle again. Let’s see how this works out today [in training]," Tuchel said. "He lacks a bit of luck Tammy, not only in games but also in training, and once the last touch comes back he will be a player we will push forward."
With just 12 games remaining for both teams, Chelsea and Liverpool sit fifth and sixth on the Premier League table, respectively. A win by either side on Thursday would put the victor in fourth place, at least temporarily.
Liverpool vs. Chelsea kicks off Thursday, March 4, at 3:15 p.m. ET on DAZN Canada. Click here for a free trial.