Chelsea defender Thiago Silva has thanked manager Frank Lampard for helping to manage his fitness levels at the start of the season.

The Brazilian is now 36 years of age and he is aware that he can’t play every few days anymore. Silva says it is extremely helpful to have someone like Lampard who understands he needs to be rested from time to time. He is quoted by ESPN Brasil as saying:

“Coaches need to have a ‘rest’ situation for some players. At 36, I have freedom with Lampard. When I feel very tired or at risk of injury, we end up saving [my energy].”

Silva has made eight appearances in all competitions for the Blues so far this campaign, but he has missed three games, including the Carabao Cup fourth-round tie against Tottenham, the league game versus Southampton and the Champions League group match against Krasnodar, to ensure he maintains his top physical condition.

With the fixture schedule set to be very intense over the next few months, it will be interesting to see when Lampard decides to rest the veteran defender again. Chelsea do look more vulnerable at the back when he is not in the team so taking him out of the side will be a risk.