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FIFA rulings could prevent Chelsea key defender from featuring in first CL clash
Thiago Silva might be bound to miss the opening Champions League night if FIFA decides to punish Chelsea for their recent actions.
According to the Daily Mail, the footballing federation could clamp down on those clubs who declined to release their players for international duty.
This stems from the fact Zenit chose to recall Brazilian duo Malcolm and Claudinho from their national team to have them available to face Chelsea on September 14th.
Zenit travel to Stamford Bridge for their first European tie in just under two weeks, longing to field a full-strength team against the reigning champions.
They feared Malcom and Claudinho would not be fit to play had they gone away with Brazil, due to quarantine dictates about returning from countries on the UK’s red list.
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However, they might still miss out thanks to FIFA’s laws about individuals not being allowed to represent their nation, despite being asked to do so.
There is a potential five-day ban for those who were not discharged by their domestic employers for the international interlude.
This could come back to hurt Chelsea as well, who declined Silva’s chance to jet off with Brazil.
Although the 36-year-old is not a regular for Thomas Tuchel, his experience on European nights has proved critical.
He might also be in battle for a start, as the Blues host Aston Villa just three days before Zenit arrive in South West London.
Brazil may lodge a complaint to FIFA, to lower the five-day ban to a maximum of two days.
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