David Luiz’s knee injury is worse than feared says Chelsea manager Antonio Conte
Antonio Conte told a press conference on Friday that Brazilian defender David Luiz has a serious knee injury that will keep him out for a long time
CHELSEA boss Antonio Conte has revealed that David Luiz's injury is worse than feared.
The Brazilian defender hasn't played for the Blues since a disastrous performance against Roma in the Champions League.
He has been missing from first team action for three weeks, but was expected to be fit for Chelsea's clash with Southampton on Saturday.
However, Conte has said that Luiz, 30, isn't ready to start and could be out for longer than expected.
"David has a big inflammation in his knee," Conte told reporters in a press conference on Friday.
"We are trying and trying to solve this situation with the doctor. It's important to assess the situation day by day and try to try to sort this problem.
"I don't know when he's able to come back with us. With the doctor and the medical department we are try to solve this situation.
"The player is working apart [from the group]. He worked in the pool, I saw him [on Friday] running on the pitch but very slowly.
"This is a serious problem but we hope to solve this problem soon."
The Italian also divulged that Luiz was frustrated to be out.
Conte continued: "I think every player is frustrated when they don't play, especially when they have an injury.
"For sure there is a lot of frustration for the injury because every player likes to train and try to put the coach in difficulty with their selections.
"I understand because I was a player and when I was injured my feeling was very bad."
Last week Chelsea felt their defender's absence falling to a 1-0 defeat at West Ham.
His below-par performances have been called to question this year after a star turn in Chelsea's title-winning team last season.
WILL I NEVER Manchester United want Chelsea star Willian and make enquiry ahead of January transfer window
It was claimed that Luiz was dropped by Conte after the Roma after he questioned the manager's tactics.
He was axed for the win over Man United and forced to watch their 1-0 win from the stands.
"It's very simple. He can get on with the others, or he can sit in the stands," Conte said after the victory.
latest football news
"The coach has to make the best decision for the team.
"And the best decision for the team was to play with Andreas Christensen and to have on the bench Ethan Ampadu, another young player.
"I must take the best decision for the club, not for a single player.
"Luiz has to work and if he trains well, then he deserves to play."