Chelsea held out to beat a resolute Sheffield United side 2-1 on Sunday evening, but there were two notable omissions from the squad.
Christian Pulisic was dropped without prior warning, a cause for concern for some fans as the American’s game-time has already been limited so far this season.
But Thomas Tuchel confirmed it was merely due to family issues the winger needed to resolve, and therefore he was given the game off.
Thomas Tuchel on Christian Pulisic's absence:
"He has some family issues to solve. Family is always first."
[via @Football_LDN]
— Talk Chelsea (@talkchelsea) February 7, 2021
Less surprisingly, Thiago Silva missed today’s action following a muscle injury sustained in the 1-0 win at Tottenham.
The Chelsea head coach has confirmed the centre-back will miss Thursday’s trip to Barnsley and hopes for him to return for the Blues’ fixture against Southampton on February 20, but has conceded this is “ambitious”.
Thomas Tuchel on when Thiago Silva could be back:
"He will be for sure out for the FA Cup so it will take time. It will be several days but we set the goal, I would like him back for maybe Southampton, that’s realistic but also ambitious."
[via @Football_LDN]
— Talk Chelsea (@talkchelsea) February 7, 2021
In quotes picked by football.london, he also added:
“I know Thiago, he will do everything to be ready as soon as possible but it is a muscle injury so you cannot take any risk.”
