Jamie Carragher believes it will be difficult for Thiago Silva to reclaim his place in the Chelsea team once he returns to full fitness. 

The 39-year-old defender missed the 1-1 draw with Manchester City after suffering an injury during Monday’s win over Crystal Palace. 

Silva has been a mainstay in Chelsea’s defence since joining the club in 2020 but Carragher says his time in west London must come to an end once his contract expires at the end of the season. 

‘His contract is up at the end of the season and whe. you see those who play in there together, i think it makes it very difficult for Thiago Silva to get back into the team between now and the end of the season unless someone gets injured. 

Thiago Silva missed Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City on Saturday through injury

Jamie Carragher believes the Brazilian’s time with Chelsea must come to an end this summer

Carragher was left impressed by Axel Disasi performance at the Etihad in Silva’s absence 

‘I think Chelsea got to start building something for the future. There’s not an awful lot to play for after the (Carabao) Cup final. I think looking at those as a partnership and maybe another younger centre back. 

i think the days of Thiago Silva playing for Chelsea has got to come to an end.’ 

In Silva’s absence at the Etihad, a partnership of Levi Colwill and Axel Disasi impressed before Rodri’s late equaliser. 

The latter caught the eye of Carragher who heaped praise on him, saying: ‘I can’t remember a better defensive performance (than Disasi). He was brilliant. That was almost like a bit of a throwback, backs against the wall. 

Fellow Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards added: ‘I think it’s more positioning. He’s very strong, very fast, he’s aggressive. He was thinking about his positioning and where to be.’

Since joining from PSG in 2020, Silva has made 146 appearances for Chelsea, with eight goals to his name. 

He played an influential role in guiding the Blues to Champions League triumph in his first season at the club.