Chelsea have touched down in Croatia to kick off their Champions League campaign with an away game against Dinamo Zagreb in the group stage.
There were some interesting faces on the plane out, but also some notable absences.
N’Golo Kante is out injured of course – but why wasn’t Thiago Silva there?
The question was put to Thomas Tuchel in his press conference today and he confirmed the Brazilian was just being rested after playing every minute in the Premier League so far.
Despite being the biggest competition, these games also give us the chance to rotate a little, as always. It will be interesting to see who fills in.
We understand the logic, and it’s a pattern we’ve seen before with Tuchel, especially when Thiago Silva is involved. If the player isn’t going to start in a Champions League away game, it’s better to leave them at home at avoid them clocking up the air miles.
