Thiago Silva is fit for Chelsea's clash against Burnley on Saturday, Frank Lampard has confirmed.
The summer signing on a free transfer after leaving Paris Saint-Germain came in for a lot of praise for his performances against Sevilla and Manchester United over the past week.
In both games the Blues kept a clean sheet, leading to some suggestions that he has already fixed the defensive issues that almost cost Lampard's side a top-four finish last season.
However, Thiago Silva didn't make the trip to Russia for Chelsea's 4-0 win over Krasnodar on Wednesday night.
Although, Blues fans have nothing to worry about as the 36-year-old is in contention to return to the squad at the weekend as the west London outfit face the Clarets at Turf Moor.
"Thiago is fit. Taking him out of Russia was a maintenance issue," Lampard said in his pre-match press conference.
"Kepa has had progression in his shoulder injury.
"In terms of the rest, no clear injuries but a tired group that arrived back quite late.
"Will assess everyone today and tomorrow to see where we're at."
Lampard also explained why he made the decision to leave Thiago Silva at home for the midweek game.
"It makes sense," he added. As a player towards the end of my career... I'm making sure we get the best out of him towards the end of the season.
"I spoke with Thiago. He could have played if had to but had to put it in context of what is ahead of us.
