Chelsea boss confirms key player is absent for Manchester United clash

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that Thiago Silva won't feature against Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday.

Silva sustained a thigh injury in the north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month and he has since missed five games for the club.

Initially, Tuchel suggested that he could return to action against Southampton but the defender's recovery process has taken much longer than predicted.

Speaking in a press conference, Tuchel revealed that the defender has returned to individual training and will link up with the group next week.

"He did an individual session today, on the pitch, and felt it was big progress. It’s a big step ahead for him, so I hope he will join the group next week," He told Chelseafc.com.

The Blues have revived their campaign since Tuchel took charge as the manager last month and are unbeaten in six Premier League games.

They have managed four wins and two draws in this period and only Manchester City have done better with a 100 percent record.

The west London giants are currently two points behind fourth-placed West Ham United, who are occupying the final Champions League spot.