Tuchel explains decision to drop Thiago Silva for Zagreb clash

Photo: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has decided to drop experienced defender Thiago Silva for the Champions League game against Dinamo Zagreb.

The 37-year-old didn’t travel with the rest of the squad to Croatia, and Tuchel has explained that he’s trying to manage the veteran defender.

“We decided with Thiago that he will have a break from the travelling and the stress after playing every minute so far in very intense matches,” Tuchel said at his pre-match press conference on Monday.

“It was the moment to give him a break instead of putting him on the bench and having the travel issues. He takes care of his recovery.”

Tuchel also hinted that summer signings Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Denis Zakaria could make their debut.

“We had the opportunity to take everyone who was in training and available to Zagreb to do our last training,” Tuchel added. “That includes Denis and Auba.

“[Aubameyang] had a test with his [protective face] mask and felt fine, trained normal. If everything goes well today they will both be available.”