Thiago Silva sends message to Neymar as Chelsea’s forgotten player closes in on Nkkunku’s comeback amid silence

Chelsea enter the second week of the international break and their stars will soon be back in action ahead of the game with Newcastle. The focus may now turn more fully to the Premier League clash, although some of Chelsea’s stars have already spent considerable time at Cobham.

A sign of that intention exists with Thiago Silva’s return to training, with the 39-year-old pictured completing a workout at Chelsea’s gym facilities on Monday. The former PSG and AC Milan star spent some time in his homeland during the first week of the Premier League break. Silva wanted to spend time with family and friends and enjoyed an intimate show of Batu de Guiteau. Ever the professional, the Brazilian was also seen spending a lot of time in the gym while out of the country.

His latest personal update sees him sending a message to Neymar. The veteran posted a photo of himself with his injured countryman and friends along with a message. It reads: “Do not be afraid, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, will help you, and will uphold you with my mighty hand. Isaiah 41:10.”

Neymar recently underwent surgery to repair anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus injuries in his left knee.

While Silva’s time abroad came to a close at the weekend, other Chelsea stars moved away. Trevoh Chalobah, who is continuing his recovery in Cobham and spending some time in the gym with his teammates, was joined by Marcus Bettinelli for a visit last weekend.

Bettinelli, who has missed the entire season due to injury, was shown in footage released from Chelsea’s Cobham training base this week. However, he traveled to the United States during his leisure time. The Chelsea pair were guests at the Red Bull Racing garage in Las Vegas during a controversial Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend.

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Mauricio Pochettino also enjoyed some time away from Chelsea last weekend. The 51-year-old head coach flew to Tarragona, Spain and visited with Jesus Perez, a regular haunt at the School House restaurant. During this time, Blues was also seen spending some time with his son’s dog. Maurizio Pochettino plays for Gimnàstic Tarragona.

The Blues will be anxiously waiting to find out how much Christopher Nkunku and Romeo Lavia can participate in training this week as the squad also fills up. Both have been absent from official club photos and videos so far during the international break.

Nkunku has announced his return after Pochettino made his position clear ahead of the draw with Manchester City and has already celebrated his birthday. It appears that it is still a case of wait and see.

Pochettino said before the break: “We had a few conversations and he (Ncuncu) said to me, ‘Coach, I want to be ready for Newcastle after the international break. I asked him yesterday and he said ‘hmm’, and I said , ‘You are a liar.’ ‘No, no I am ready.’

“It has stopped and he is doing really well. We are very happy with him, the way he is recovering, he is very professional. Romeo Lavia is also off. He trained on the pitch today. Hopefully That the team will join it next week and see later. Let’s see day by day when it is possible to play with the team.”