Chelsea identify potential new leaders with Thiago Silva likely to play club's final game

Thiago Silva's groin injury means he may have played his last game for Chelsea.

The Brazilian's absence for tonight's match against Tottenham leaves his side stripped bare in central defense, with Axel Disasi also out and Benoit Badiashile expected to partner Trevoh Chalobah.

But in the long term, the biggest issue for Chelsea is how they will replace Silva's management when the 39-year-old leaves at the end of the season.

Despite concerns over a lack of leaders in an inexperienced dressing room, Chelsea believe Ben Chilwell and Reece James can fill the void left by Silva. Both men have impressed club officials off the field, despite their injury problems.

Chilwell, 27, is a confident communicator. The left-back has taken Mykhailo Mudryk under his wing to help him settle in London and adapt to English football.

James, 24, is a calmer individual but was made captain last summer and is leading by example. The right-back was involved in light training as Chelsea eased him following surgery for a hamstring problem, and he and Chilwell are often seen in the squad at Cobham.

Stand-in captain Conor Gallagher has performed well in their absence and showed his leadership qualities by resolving a penalty dispute involving Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson last month. But its future remains uncertain beyond this summer.

Former caretaker manager Frank Lampard has also identified Enzo Fernandez as a potential future leader.

Mauricio Pochettino says it is up to him and his coaches to develop personalities within the dressing room, but Chelsea are sure new leaders will emerge.