Why Pochettino did not play Thiago Silva in Wrexham win despite late injury to Chalobah

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed veteran defender Thiago Silva felt some discomfort and it wasn’t worth risking him in the game against Wrexham.

Trevoh Chalobah who was outstanding through out the game felt pain in Achilles five minutes to the end and the coaches decided that Marc Cucurella who started the game and was substituted in the second half should come back in to see out the game.

The easier choice would have been to introduce Silva who was with the team and not to bring back a player who had been withdrawn already but Pochettino explained he erred on the side of caution as his experienced defender was dealing with some pain.

He told reporters after the game in North Carolina: “You are asking me if I think Cucurella to play centre-back? No, because Thiago did not feel so well. We did not take a risk.”

The former Tottenham boss revealed it was too early to get carried away after the impressive performance of his team. Chelsea finished 12th last season, and have shipped out as many as 10 players including Mason Mount and N’Golo Kante.

The youngsters have looked sharp but Pochettino is preaching calm and patience as they navigate pre-season. He added: “Of course it is early. The profile is very good, the two names and Carney also, and of course Casadei and Andrey.

“They have the profile. Only they need time. They are young. We cannot forget we are in Chelsea, the pressure is always to win. They need to have the place, to have time to evolve but yes the profile is good.”

Chelsea will take on Brighton next with games against Fulham, Newcastle and Dortmund to still come before they head back to Europe.