Chelsea’s ready made £70 million Thiago Silva replacement to finally get his chance after latest injury blow

Chelsea will be without Thiago Silva for season-defining games against Leeds United and Dortmund in the coming weeks.

The 38-year-old was captain against Tottenham - but lasted less than 20 minutes and now the club fear he would be out for almost two months in what is yet another blow to under pressure manager Graham Potter.

The Blues are going through a very difficult time with just two wins in their last 15 games, scoring just six goals in the period-as questions are being asked about the direction and ambition of the owners.

Chelsea Champions League hopes are also hanging by a thread after a 1-0 defeat to Dortmund in the first leg with fading hopes of them being able to turn things around on the evidence of recent performance.

The club’s fans on social media are at a tipping point, calling for the sacking of Potter especially after home defeats to bottom-placed Southampton and Tottenham over the weekend.

Thiago Silva happens to be one of the leaders of the team and provides more than just being a good defender, his absence will be a massive blow but Wesley Fofana who was bought for £70 million in the summer to be the next big thing will come in for the Brazilian.

Fofana’s start to life at Chelsea has been hampered by a knee injury- but he’s been back in the last two games and looked solid against Southampton the moment he stepped onto the pitch.

The latest injury to Silva will provide the best platform for the former Leicester star to cement his role in the team and help Potter navigate what is the greatest challenge of his managerial career so far.