Chelsea boss confirms 24-year-old star has been sad at Cobham all season

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino says having Trevoh Chalobah back is like having a new signing but admitted the defender had been sad due to persistent injuries in the last eight months.

Chalobah managed only his first 90 minutes of the campaign against Leeds United in midweek and his ability to play in central defence and as a full-back gives Pochettino another ammunition going into the final phase of the season.

Asked how the 24-year-old defender has handled the setbacks and what he brings to the squad Pochettino said: "We are so happy because of him. He was really fit in the pre-season until Washington against Fulham,

"He felt something in his quad. After eight months, nine months, the possibility to play and help the team. I'm so happy for him because he was sad for a long period. It's like now with Lavia, you feel pain for these guys. We are happy he is with the team."

Chelsea will take on Brentford this weekend with Pochettino again confirming that both Marc Cucurella, who hasn't played in the last two months, and Thiago Silva who missed the League Cup final at Wembley will be assessed and could play a part after returning to training this week.

The Chelsea boss added: "We need to assess him and Marc Cucurella. Maybe it is possible to be involved in the squad. Good news. If they will be possible to be in the squad."

Brentford beat Chelsea in the reverse encounter at Stamford Bridge, so this one promises to be a close encounter at the GTech Community stadium.