Thiago Silva’s groin injury means he may have played his last game for Chelsea.
The Brazilian’s absence for tonight’s game against Tottenham leaves his side down to the bare bones at centre-back, with Axel Disasi also out and Benoit Badiashile expected to partner Trevoh Chalobah.
But long-term, the bigger problem for Chelsea is how they will replace Silva’s leadership when the 39-year-old leaves at the end of the season.
Despite concerns about a lack of leaders in an inexperienced dressing room, Chelsea believe Ben Chilwell and Reece James can fill the void left by Silva. The pair have impressed club officials off the pitch, despite their injury problems.
Chilwell, 27, is a confident communicator. The left-back has taken Mykhailo Mudryk under his wing to help him settle in London and adapt to English football.
James, 24, is a quieter individual but was named captain last summer and leads by example. The right-back has been involved in light training as Chelsea ease him back after surgery on a hamstring issue, and he and Chilwell are often seen around the squad at Cobham.
Stand-in captain Conor Gallagher has stepped up well in their absence and showed his leadership qualities by resolving a penalty spat involving Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson last month. But his future remains uncertain beyond this summer.
Former caretaker manager Frank Lampard also identified Enzo Fernandez as a potential future leader.
Mauricio Pochettino says it is on him and his coaches to develop the personalities within dressing room, but Chelsea are sure new leaders will emerge.
