Chelsea defender Thiago Silva back in training for first time in six weeks

Chelsea defender Thiago Silva has been spotted back in training ahead of the Blues' Champions League tie against Real Madrid on Wednesday.

The Brazilian has been pictured on the club's official 5th Stand App as part of the squad who took part in the first training session of the week.

It has been six weeks now since the 38-year-old has been able to take part in any real activity after injury forced him off in the first half against Tottenham in the Premier League.

Despite that moment seeing the return of the influential Wesley Fofana, the defence collapsed that day and the Blues fell to yet another defeat.

The Frenchman has certainly stepped up in Silva's absence, with injury concerns for the duo seeing their times on the pitch hardly overlap this season.

However, even just the aura of the Brazilian will be a massive boost for the Blues. He has previously been described as 'unbelievable' by Gary Neville.

Silva back in training

That is why his return to training will be a huge boost for interim manager Frank Lampard ahead of the daunting trip to the Bernabeu on Wednesday.

While it is unclear if the first leg will come too soon for him, even just his presence in the dressing room will be a massive boost for a side likely to be low on confidence.

Chelsea go into this game off the back of a 1-0 defeat to Wolves at the weekend. Despite the managerial change, it was more of the same as far supporters are concerned this season.

The Champions League presents the club's only chance at silverware this season, as well as their only opportunity to salvage anything from what's been a dire campaign so far.

In order for their chances to be at their highest, the return of Silva will be imperative to the backline.