As we enter another international break, beads of sweat are sure to be forming on the foreheads of Chelsea's medical staff as a large chunk of Thomas Tuchel's first team squad fly around the world to train and play with their national teams. One such figure is 37-year-old Thiago Silva, who has joined up with Brazil to first face Chile in Rio de Janeiro, before travelling to take on Bolivia in La Paz.
The latter match takes place in the early hours of Wednesday morning (UK time), meaning Silva could return in time to face Brentford. His availability is often uncertain, given the recovery period needed, combined with the extensive travel trips to South American countries include. The veteran missed the last game against the Bees following October's international break for example.
In the FA Cup against Middlesbrough, Silva once again proved how important he was for the Blues, even against lower league opposition. The Brazilian showed his ability to play through the press in the build up to Chelsea's first goal, and has acted as the epitome of the professionalism the squad have delivered during trying times.
