Thomas Tuchel has said it is too early to make a decision on whether Thiago Silva's Chelsea contract will be extended beyond the end of this season.
The Brazilian defender drew praise from the Blues coach earlier in the week for his continued excellence in blue but has stopped short of suggesting Silva has earned a new deal.
The 48-year-old will not factor in the former PSG star's age into any decision, only his ability to perform at the very highest level.
Tuchel said ahead of the clash with Manchester City: "It's on him. He has to perform at this kind of level and that's all he needs to stay here.
"It's as easy and clear as that. When you play for Chelsea, you need to deliver and that is what he is doing. He is a top professional and if he wasn't, it wouldn't be performing at that level for many years.
"The age does not play a role. The only question we have to ask at the end of the season is this: Is he at the level that we need at Chelsea to compete in every competition? We have time for that, and we don't have to answer that right now."
Silva may feel he has the perfect opportunity to prove his worth with the Blues star being one of a number of Chelsea defenders whose contracts are set to expire next summer.
Andreas Christensen, Cesar Azpilicueta and Antonio Rudiger are all in limbo, with the latter's future must subject to speculation in recent weeks.
Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and PSG have all been linked with a move for the 28-year-old.
