Chelsea have taken early steps this season to ensure they have a fit Thiago Silva for as long as possible.
The Brazilian managed 32 league matches last season, the most since his 33 games for AC Milan in 2010/11. He was 26 back then. Eleven years later and approaching 38 years old, Silva is still playing some of his best ever football, but the management of him is key.
As someone still involved in Brazil's own national team he needs rest and, perhaps like his teammates, has already been shown the negative effects of flying too much on fitness and recovery. With this in mind, Thomas Tuchel made the important decision to leave behind his first choice centre-back for the trip to Croatia to face Dinamo Zagreb.
