Antonio Conte to stick with David Luiz in defence

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has suggested that he prefers to utilise David Luiz at the heart of the defence, and will only use the Brazilian in midfield as a last resort.

The Blues are without both N'Golo Kante and Danny Drinkwater through injuries, and this leaves them with just two fit central midfielders in Cesc Fabregas and Tiemoue Bakayoko.

Luiz previously produced a decent performance in midfield during the 2-1 triumph at Tottenham Hotspur, but Conte wants to restrict the Brazilian to the central defensive role, which he is comfortable with.

Speaking to reporters, Conte said (via ESPN): "We have to adapt a player in Luiz in midfield who is very important as a central defender. For me he is one of the best central defenders."

Meanwhile, the Italian head coach stressed that he could offer opportunities to club graduates Kyle Scott and Ethan Ampadu, should the need arise for an extra central midfielder.

Bakayoko and Fabregas are likely to feature at the heart of the midfield during the Blues' short Premier League trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday.