Luiz back in full training amid speculation over future
Antonio Conte has indicated that David Luiz will stay at Chelsea – unless the club brings in another defender.
There has been much speculation over the future of Luiz, who has been linked with several clubs.
One of those clubs is Arsenal, whose manager Arsene Wenger has denied being interested in the Brazilian.
Blues boss Conte was asked at a media conference whether he expects Luiz to leave during this month’s transfer window.
“I am very happy to work with these players. I trust these players and I don’t see a problem,” the Italian replied.
“But at the same time I understand if some players are not playing with regularity and want to play with regularity. I understand this.
“My expectation is that all the players we have in our squad will stay here and try to continue to work – also because our squad is not big and for this reason it is impossible to send on loan one player or sell one player if we don’t get one player.”
Chelsea have been linked with a number of defenders, but Conte on Tuesday ruled out a move for Juventus’ Giorgio Chiellini.
Luiz, 30, has not featured since the Champions League win over Qarabag in November.
He returned to full training this week and Conte says the player is in contention for this weekend’s FA Cup tie against Norwich following a knee problem.
“David improved a lot in his physical condition,” said Conte.
“Now in the last couple of days he worked with us and I think he could be in contention for the Norwich game.”
