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Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel hits out at FIFA as Blues left in 'impossible' situation
Thomas Tuchel's side beat Southampton 3-1 on Saturday, but they now have a problem to contend with.
Chelsea 3-1 Southampton: Picture highlights
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has criticised FIFA and claimed the Blues have been left in an ‘impossible’ situation following Thiago Silva’s call-up to the Brazil squad. The 37-year-old will join up with Brazil for the upcoming international fixtures, meaning Silva will not be able to play against Brentford upon his return.
Silva will take part in games against Venezuela, Colombia and Uruguay, with the last of those fixtures not scheduled to kick-off until 1.30am GMT on Friday morning, the day before Chelsea’s clash at Brentford.
When asked about the difficult situation Chelsea find themselves in, Tuchel said: “He will go and then he will play for Brazil and then he will come back on the matchday versus Brentford.
“This is the life of international breaks, this is the situation of international breaks in 2021.
“Like it or not, what can I do? Is it a good solution for us as a club? No. But we cannot hold him back.
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“It is impossible if they call him, he needs to go. Otherwise he gets suspended from FIFA.
“There is no choice and it is something we have to live with.”
Silva was one of several players who chose not to partake in the previous round of international fixtures - which could have led to him being suspended - however the Brazil Federation decided against taking any action with FIFA.
However, quarantine restrictions for players returning to the UK from ‘red list’ countries have now changed, meaning vaccinated players are now allowed to play train and play matches.
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Meanwhile, Tuchel’s side returned to winning ways on Saturday when they beat Southampton 3-1 in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge.
Trevor Chalobah opened the scoring, before James Ward-Prowse equalised for the Saints from the penalty spot in the 62nd minute.
Timo Werner then put the Blues back in front six minutes from time, until Ben Chilwell made sure of the win five minutes later.
Speaking after the game, Tuchel admitted it was a well-deserved win for the Blues, but admitted they had to work hard to get it.
"It was deserved but it was a long way to go [to get it],” Tuchel said.
“I liked the game, it was very entertaining with two intense sides. I liked the energy and the attitude. In the end we finally got the result right which is always the challenge and the target. It was a late one but a deserved one."
Chelsea are now top of the Premier League with 16 points, one ahead of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool in second place.