Chelsea Team News: Luiz to make second debut against Liverpool after Conte confirms Terry absence

Chelsea face Liverpool on Friday in one of the biggest encounters in the upcoming round of games in the Premier League.

Ahead of the game, manager Antonio Conte has confirmed that Brazilian defender David Luiz will be making his second debut for the Pensioners in the high-profile clash.

Chelsea will be missing club captain and talisman John Terry. The 35-year-old suffered an injury in their last game against Swansea City and Conte has stated that he will be out for at least 10 days.

“John strained the ligament of his ankle, the doctor told me after 10 days he could be available to come back. He is working very hard and today he had a training session to recover,’ said Conte, according to the official club website.

The Italian manger added that Brazilian David Luiz will be replacing Terry for the Liverpool game.

“Tomorrow, David Luiz will play for the first time with us and we are confident about him,” he said.

“We expect him to play very well, we know he’s a good player. We are working to put him in the best condition to give us the best of him.

“He’s worked a lot on defensive situations and when we are in possession.”

David Luiz was one of the most shocking deadline day transfers this summer, rejoining Chelsea after two years at PSG for a reported £34 million. He is likely to start alongside Gary Cahill in his second debut for the Blues.

Apart from that the starting XI is likely to be unchanged from the one that drew 2-2 against Swansea City. Although another deadline day signing in left-back Marcos Alonso could be given the nod ahead of Branislav Ivanovic, with Cesar Azpilicueta moving to right-back.

Frenchman N’Golo Kante has transitioned well from Leicester City to Chelsea. He will play a critical role just in front of the defence, behind a midfield quartet of Nemanja Matic, Oscar, Eden Hazard and Willian.

Diego Costa has been in scintillating form so far this season, and will look to add to his tally of four goals and one assist against Liverpool. On the other end of the pitch, Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will surely start ahead of Asmir Begovic in goal.