Thiago Silva STARTS for Chelsea against West Ham despite fears the Brazilian would miss the rest of the reason after suffering a groin injury

Thiago Silva has been named in Chelsea's starting lineup for their clash with West Ham.

The 39-year-old was replaced after suffering a groin injury in the closing stages of Chelsea's 2-2 draw with Aston Villa last week.

The incident led to fears that the veteran defender had played his final game for the club, with his contract due to expire at the end of the season.

Silva was not included in Mauricio Pochettino's matchday squad for the club's 2-0 victory over Tottenham in midweek but was named in the starting XI alongside Benoit Badiashile in Sunday's clash with the Hammers.

Earlier this week Silva confirmed that his four-year stint at the club would come to an end, with the former PSG seeking pastures new after a successful stint at Stamford Bridge.

'Chelsea means a lot to me. I came here with the intention of only staying for a year and it ended up being four years,' he said via Chelsea's website. 'Not just for me but for my family, too.

'My sons play for Chelsea so it’s a source of great pride to be a part of the Chelsea family – literally because my sons are here. I hope they can continue their careers here at this victorious club that many players wish to be part of.

'I think in everything I did here over the four years, I always gave my all. But, unfortunately, everything has a start, a middle and an end. That doesn’t mean that this is a definitive end. I hope to leave the door open so that in the near future I can return, albeit in another role here.'

Despite hinting at a potential future return to the Blues in a coaching role, Silva is said to be interested in continuing his playing career elsewhere next season.

Silva has been linked with a return to his boyhood club Fluminense where he spent several years as a youth before enjoying a two-year senior spell between 2007 and 2009.

However, three unnamed clubs are said to have offered him a chance to stay in London and continue on in English football as his 40th birthday approaches.

Speaking on the speculation regarding his future, Silva's outspoken wife Belle slammed reports claiming he has made a decision on where he will play his football after leaving Stamford Bridge.

Taking to Instagram stories to address the rumours, Belle unleashed in a furious rant.

As translated by talkSPORT, she said: 'Help me help you! You don't know anything!

'This anxiety is getting in the way of things that could work out! You're getting in the way! Stop posting false information!'