Chelsea manager dismisses suggestion of any kind of argument with David Luiz

                                                  Antonio Conte has denied any rift between him and David Luiz

Antonio Conte has insisted David Luiz is being treated exactly like every other Chelsea player and is not being punished in any way. Luiz has missed the last two Chelsea games, not even making the bench against Manchester United, amid reports the defender and Conte have had a serious falling out. Conte was believed to have dropped Luiz after the centre-back openly questioned his tactics and fears are growing there is another Diego Costa-like situation brewing at Stamford Bridge.

The Chelsea manager has repeatedly denied a rift with Luiz and insisted again Andreas Christensen has earned his spot in the team. ‘I have always answered that it was a tactical decision,’ said Conte.

    ‘Every game I have to try to make the best decision for the team, and if I’m taking this decision it means Christensen is deserving to play. ‘In the past it happened the same at the start [of the season] with Eden. ‘Before he was completely fit he was on the bench, and then [we went] slowly, slowly to find the right form.

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                                  Luiz protests being substituted during a game

‘I think Christensen is playing very well but we have to play a lot of games, and we have to play every three days. ‘We need all the players and to have different solutions [is good] – last season in this position I didn’t have this opportunity.’

Christensen replaced Luiz in defence and kept his place for the win over West Brom as the Brazilian watched from the bench. Chelsea play Qarabag on Wednesday night in their penultimate Champions League group game and Luiz looks set to remain on the bench once again. Luiz has yet to speak out on the matter, but has never hinted he is unhappy at Chelsea.