THOMAS TUCHEL will not have Thiago Silva fit for Sunday’s clash with Manchester United.
A thigh issue has kept Silva, 36, out since the start of the month but he is nearing a return to action.
Yet Tuchel will not risk the centre-back, who managed only an individual session on Friday, as he makes a series of selection calls ahead of United’s visit.
The case for sticking with the same XI that beat Atletico Madrid in midweek is strong.
Andreas Christensen has ably filled in for much of Silva’s absence, helping keep a clean sheet as Chelsea progressed in the Champions League.
Olivier Giroud’s breathtaking overhead kick winner should be enough to earn the striker consecutive starts for the first time since Tuchel became Blues boss.
Callum Hudson-Odoi shook off his on-and-off substitute performance against Southampton to play 80 minutes versus Atletico but Reece James may be recalled on the right wing.
Ben Chilwell, N’Golo Kante and Christian Pulisic are also pushing for a call-up.
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French midfielder Kante has largely been restricted to the bench since overcoming a hamstring injury and will compete with Jorginho for a starting berth on Sunday.
Manchester United will be without Paul Pogba for the 4.30pm kick-off at Stamford Bridge.
A thigh injury is keeping the Frenchman sidelined and Daniel James is a doubt having picked up a knock against Real Sociedad.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is monitoring Edinson Cavani, Donny van de Beek and Scott McTominay, and hopes to have the trio available after short lay-offs.
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