Chelsea blow as Antonio Conte reveals David Luiz and Danny Drinkwater out of West Ham clash
DAVID LUIZ is injured while Danny Drinkwater also misses Chelsea's date at West Ham due to sickness.
That was the news from the Blues' pre-match media conference on Friday.
The club reported that boss Antonio Conte "has to check the physical condition of a couple of other players before making a selection".
And Conte himself confirmed: "David Luiz is out. Danny Drinkwater is out, because he's sick. This is the third day with a fever.
"Then we have to check a couple of situations, then to make the best decision for tomorrow's game against West Ham.
"I have to check the physical condition. After all these games it's normal to check a player could be tired.
David Luiz feigns injury and laughs while lying on the floor. But he actually does have a knee problem
"We must pay great attention to try to make the best decision, to try to find the right solution."
Asked about the timeline on Luiz's injury, Conte replied:
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"I don't know the right time. In this case I think the doctor can speak about Luiz's situation and be more precise, more accurate."
Luiz, dropped by Conte earlier in the season after poor displays in the Champions League, has been linked with a move to Real Madrid. He hasn't played since facing Qarabag on November 22.
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West Ham have managed just one draw with Leicester City in four games under new manager David Moyes and have sunk into relegation trouble.
They are second to bottom level on points with Crystal Palace.
But Conte said: "It's a bit strange to see them in this position in the table. For sure they have the potential to do better.
"I hope not from tomorrow, but after our game. For sure this team is a really good team with good players.
"Yes, I must be honest. West Ham has a good squad, good players. To see them in this position is a bit strange."