Chelsea sweat on Thiago Silva fitness but Mauricio Pochettino relishing Man City and Liverpool challenge despite depleted defence

Thiago Silva is a doubt for Chelsea’s Carabao Cup final clash with Liverpool, but Mauricio Pochettino is staying positive after a crucial win over Crystal Palace.

The Brazilian star lasted less than an hour of the contest at Selhurst Park when he slid in to block an effort from Jean-Philippe Mateta.

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Silva suffered an injury during Chelsea’s clash with Crystal PalaceCredit: Getty
However, the defender stayed down, before requiring treatment on the pitch.

Getting off the turf sluggishly, Silva could be seen shaking his head as he made his way off the pitch to be replaced by Levi Colwill, with Pochettino later confirming that he felt something in his groin and would be assessed on Tuesday.

While the Blues earned a precious 3-1 win, the concern from the injury blow cannot be downplayed.

For Chelsea, the timing of the injury is not ideal in the slightest with Benoit Badiashile already facing a spell on the sidelines after suffering a groin injury against Aston Villa.

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With Manchester City up next on Saturday, the Blues are looking towards their Carabao Cup final clash with Liverpool on Sunday February 25, live on talkSPORT, a contest that could be pivotal in the overall success of their campaign.

Victory over the Reds would see Chelsea qualify for the Europa Conference League next term, an achievement that would be seen as a major boost given their struggles in the last two seasons, although it may not be so good for them financially.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Pochettino wanted to stay positive, saying: “Now we have a good test before the Carabao Cup final. Manchester City is going to be really, really tough but we have to believe and play like we did in the second half that we can compete.

“I’m here with Chelsea because I want to play these kind of games. I really believe that we can compete.

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After hobbling off he’s now surely a doubt for the Carabao Cup clash with LiverpoolCredit: Getty

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“That is our challenge to be consistent in every single game. We cannot accept going from a great performance against Aston Villa to start the game like we did today.

“The good thing is winning games provides us with the possibility to work and realise and to improve.”

Mauricio Pochettino’s side have been without European football this term, while their mid-table standing in the Premier League means that qualifying for Europe through the league appears unlikely at this point.

While still competing in the FA Cup, the Carabao Cup offers the most direct route into Europe, but without the 39-year-old, their hopes of prospering will be surely diminished.