Thiago Silva: Chelsea Players Surprised by Mauricio Pochettino’s Captaincy Snub After James Injury

• Mauricio Pochettino is currently facing questions over his captaincy decisions
• Thiago Silva's continued snub came as a surprise just before the start of the season
• Both captains, Reece James and Ben Chilwell, are both out with injuries

A new problem is reportedly brewing in the Chelsea camp over who is supposed to wear the captaincy armband.

Mauricio Pochettino surprised many fans when he chose academy graduate Reece James as the new skipper following Cesar Azpilicueta's departure in the summer. Ben Chilwell was appointed his vice.

There had been a feeling that veteran Thiago Silva was the obvious pick for captain, given his vast experience and the huge age difference between him and the rest of the Chelsea squad.

Pochettino was at that time asked why the Brazilian defender was snubbed, to which he answered

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"You don't need the armband on to feel like a captain. He is a captain and will help Reece and Chilwell. He will be a great captain for the club," as quoted by Standard Sport.

Chelsea squad surprised

However, a report by the Guardian has now hinted at disquiet in the Chelsea squad, who do not understand why the former Paris Saint-Germain centre-back was bypassed even after both James and Chilwell picked up injuries.

Conor Gallagher has captained the side numerous times, with Levi Colwill donning the armband in his absence in the defeat at Old Trafford on December 6.

There reportedly has been talk of 'disrespect' towards Silva, with his teammates not understanding why their most senior player is not leading them out in James' absence. Despite the captaincy snub, the 39-year-old has remained a regular for Pochettino but was on the bench during the defeat at Everton over the weekend.

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He is out of contract at the end of the season.

Nicolas Jackson involved in scuffle

Sports Brief also reported on an incident involving Nicolas Jackson in a confrontation with Everton players at full-time.

The 22-year-old, who was brought to join Chelsea for a fee of £32million, was introduced in the match on Sunday midway through the second half to replace Armando Broja.

But his most significant moment of the game arguably came after the full-time whistle, when several Everton players, including Nathan Patterson and Amadou Onana, surrounded him.