Thiago Silva admits it will be a huge blow if Chelsea lose Cesar Azpilicueta's leadership skills at the end of the season. 

With the Blues effectively in limbo while prospective owners bid to buy the club, new contracts cannot be dished out. 

That makes it more likely that skipper Azpilicueta, along with fellow defenders Andreas Christensen and the in-demand Antonio Rudiger, will leave Stamford Bridge as free agents when their deals expire this summer. 

And Silva, 37, insists the Spaniard's departure would leave a huge void in Thomas Tuchel's squad. 

The Brazilian said: "He is a spectacular guy, a super professional who undoubtedly deserves to be where he is and wear the armband, which means so much to him. 

"There are different types of captains. There are those who talk more and others who are quieter but mean a lot to the team. 

"Azpilicueta has both aspects. He is very important on the field and outside he brings the team together when necessary to talk and to make things clear so they don't go wrong."

Silva signed a one-year extension in January to tie him to the Blues until the end of next season. 

The veteran defender has proven to be a smash hit since joining on a free transfer in August 2020 after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired. 

And he received a warm welcome from Azpilicueta upon his arrival. Silva added: "He was one of the first to write to me wishing me good luck in this new chapter."

Spain international Azpilicueta, affectionately known as Dave by the Chelsea faithful, will clearly find it extremely difficult to bring the curtain down on his Chelsea career. 

He joined the Blues in August 2012 and has gone on to win every major honour available, including the Premier League twice. 

But with Jorginho and Silva having proven able deputies when they have stepped in as captain, 32-year-old Azpi knows the team will be in safe hands if he does depart. 

He said: "Each captain does the job in a very different way. But you have to show it every day, in the good times, in the difficult ones, to lead by example and always be there.

"We have an incredible group. I always try to contribute my maximum to that and, above all, during the difficult moments. That is when you have to be there the most.

"I have a great relationship with everyone in the dressing room. 

"Each player is different, each one is going through different situations, emotional states and you have to know when one thing or another is necessary but the relationship is fantastic."

Third-placed Chelsea return to Premier League action on Saturday afternoon when they host Brentford at the Bridge.