Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has suggested that David Luiz is unlikely to switch to central midfield for the London derby against Spurs on Sunday.
The Blues are short of midfield options for the Wembley game, with Cesc Fabregas suspended after his red card against Burnley and new signing Tiemoue Bakayoko still not fully fit.
The summer sales of Nemanja Magic and Nathaniel Chalobah have left the Premier League champions short of midfield options, but Conte said Bakayoko is still likely to be risked ahead of Brazilian defender Luiz.
“In the past David played in midfield, but I prefer him to play like a central defender,” Conte said at a press conference on Friday.
“But he is available to play in different positions and it is a pleasure to have a player like this.
“Bakayoko is improving very well. He is not at the top of his physical condition but I think he could be in contention because in this moment I don’t have other midfielders available.”
Like Fabregas, captain Gary Cahill is also suspended after his dismissal in the opening game of the season. But Chelsea do have Victor Moses available after a ban, meaning Cesar Azpilicueta is set to return to his normal role in the back three.
“I am studying different options,” Conte added. “I have to study the best option and try to find the right players with the right characteristic to play in this role.
“I am not worried about this and try to transfer this concept to my players. I am sure we will play a good game against Tottenham.”