Conte refuses to discuss Luiz’s future
Antonio Conte has refused to discuss the future of Chelsea defender David Luiz.
The Brazilian has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge, where he is in his second spell.
Asked at a media conference on Friday whether he believes Luiz is happy at the club and likely to stay, Blues boss Conte replied: “I think now is not the right moment to speak about this.
“There are a lot games before the transfer window and now is not the right moment to speak about this. This is not important.”
Luiz will miss Saturday’s derby at West Ham along with Danny Drinkwater, who has been ruled out after going down with an illness.
“David is out with a knee problem and Danny Drinkwater because he is sick with a fever,” Conte said.
“We (also) have to check a couple of situations and make the best decision for tomorrow’s game. I have to check their physical condition.
“After all these games it is normal to check. A player could be tired and we must make the right decision.
“I don’t want to tell you who these two or three players are.”
Luiz was recently dropped by Conte and has since only featured in last month’s Champions League win against Qarabag.
Asked how long he expects Luiz to be unavailable, the Italian replied: “I must be honest, I don’t know the right time.
“In this case I think the doctor can speak about this situation and be more accurate.”
