Chelsea Faces Defensive Setback Ahead of Manchester City Showdown

Chelsea are grappling with defensive concerns ahead of their upcoming Premier League clash against Manchester City, adding to their challenges in the ongoing 2023-24 campaign.

Last week, defender Benoit Badiashile joined the list of sidelined players after sustaining a groin injury during the FA Cup match against Aston Villa.

Reports suggest that Badiashile could be sidelined for about a month, ruling him out of crucial fixtures including the encounter with Manchester City and the EFL Cup final against Liverpool on February 25.

In a positive development, Chelsea welcomed Levi Colwill and Trevoh Chalobah back to the squad for Monday’s match against Crystal Palace after respective absences of four matches and six months. However, this return was overshadowed by veteran defender Thiago Silva‘s injury.

Silva sustained a groin issue during the game against Crystal Palace, prompting his substitution. Despite initial hopes that the injury was minor, Silva signalled the need for withdrawal, leading to Colwill’s introduction.

After the match, Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino confirmed to reporters that Silva would undergo assessment for his groin issue, adding to the defensive concerns for the team.

If Silva is ruled out in the short or long term, Pochettino will have limited senior options in defense, with Axel Disasi, Colwill, and Chalobah as the primary choices.

Chalobah, who has not played a competitive game all season, and academy graduate Alfie Gilchrist could provide alternatives, although Gilchrist has been predominantly deployed as a right-back.

Chelsea will need to carefully manage their defensive resources as they prepare to face Manchester City, the current English Champions, with critical points at stake in the title race for Pep’s team.