OFFICIAL: Thiago Silva out for 6 weeks due to damaged knee ligaments

Chelsea fear Thiago Silva could be set for an extended spell on the sidelines after limping out of their defeat at Tottenham.

Chelsea have revealed that Thiago Silva has damaged ligaments in his knee after being substituted in the first half against Tottenham on Sunday.

The 38-year-old was landed on by Harry Kane trying to stop a shot. He was treated by the physio before returning to play only to go down again, being replaced by Wesley Fofana.

A statement released by the club on Tuesday morning reads: "Having sustained a knee injury during the first half of Sunday’s match against Tottenham Hotspur, Thiago underwent further assessment and a scan on his return to the training centre on Monday.

"Scan results from those assessments have confirmed damage to Thiago’s knee ligaments and he will now work closely with the club’s medical department during his rehabilitation to return to action as soon as possible."

The injury comes at a bad time for Silva and Chelsea with a crucial week awaiting Graham Potter. The Blues face Leeds on Saturday before the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Borussia Dortmund.

Speaking after the game Potter said: “I’m not sure. Hopefully it’s not too serious but I haven’t spoken to the doctor enough to have a diagnosis for you.”

The boss is under immense pressure and has relied upon Silva, as his captain in the absence of Cesar Azpilicueta, to lead the team. The Brazilian's injury is only going to make things harder for Potter, who rested him against Southampton to try and avoid doing more damage to his body.