Silva and Chilwell in Chelsea squad for cup game

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Recent signings Thiago Silva and Ben Chilwell are in Chelsea’s squad for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie against Barnsley.

England left-back Chilwell has been recovering from an injury he suffered prior to his move from Leicester.


And veteran centre-back Silva (pictured above) has been working on his fitness since arriving at Stamford Bridge.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, Blues boss Frank Lampard confirmed that both players are set to make their debuts.

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard
Lampard has been keen to improve Chelsea’s defence

Lampard added that Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech are “getting closer” to returning to action after their respective injuries.

He also confirmed that keeper Edouard Mendy is having a medical ahead of a move from Rennes.

Chelsea are hoping the vastly experienced Silva will shore up their defence, which was a problem area last season and has continued to look vulnerable.

“He’s in the squad. He’s getting fit and I’ll make a decision on how many minutes he gets,” Lampard said.

Mendy is set to replace Kepa Arrizabalaga, who has been guilty of a number of errors – including during Sunday’s home defeat against Liverpool.

“Mendy’s having a medical as we speak, so subject to that being OK later on he’ll become our player at that point,” Lampard said.

“With Mendy coming in its more competition, so every reaction will have to be positive around that from Kepa.

“Mendy as he comes in himself will push to try and play in this team.

“We know the standards that are required from a goalkeeper in this team, so we have to push for that.”