Silva still out but Pulisic and Havertz passed fit

Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic have been passed fit for Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid but defender Thiago Silva will miss the round-of-16 tie in Bucharest.

All three players sat out Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Southampton but Pulisic has recovered from a calf injury and Havertz, who missed the last four matches with a minor problem picked up in training, will travel to Hungary where the match is being played due to coronavirus regulations.

However, the match has come too soon for Brazilian veteran Silva who is making his way back from a thigh injury picked up in the win over Spurs earlier this month.

“Thiago is not available, he is training right now, but not with the rest of the squad and is not available,” said Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel.

“I am very happy that both Christian and Kai are in the group to travel later today (Monday) and have no complaints and are in the squad.”

Tuchel also said Callum Hudson-Odoi has responded well to his public criticism of the winger after he substituted him half-an-hour after coming on at half-time at St Mary’s.

“We decided to speak to him in front of the whole group,” said Tuchel.

“I had my reasons for doing it and for us in the whole group we resolved to not make it bigger than it is.

“Sometimes you reflect on ‘should I do it’ with the media and family and so on and makes it bigger than it is meant to be.

“But I did it, and the only reaction you want is to go back to a normal mood, a big smile and training well.

“Then to the next day where he had a very good training session.

“It is forgotten and it is business as usual.”