Thursday 15 September 2016 19:47, UK
David Luiz will play in the Friday Night Football clash with Liverpool, Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has confirmed.
Luiz will replace John Terry in the line-up, with the skipper ruled out after suffering a foot injury in the 2-2 draw with Swansea on Sunday - he is out of action for around 10 days.
Luiz will be making his first appearance since rejoining Chelsea in a £30m Deadline Day transfer from Paris Saint-Germain.
The 29-year-old Brazilian left Stamford Bridge for France two years ago for £50m, which remains a world record fee for a defender.
Chelsea first purchased Luiz in January 2011 from Benfica for £21m.
In his first three-year stay in west London, Luiz made 143 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions, scoring 12 goals.
Conte said: "When you sign new players, it is normal that they need time to adapt to a new concept and a new idea about football.
"He's worked a lot in recent days on the defensive situations with the ball when we are in possession.
"I'm confident about his performance [on Friday]. He's a good player and I'm very pleased because I have seen good things from him in the training sessions."
Fellow new-signing Marcos Alonso is unlikely to play against the Reds, but is available.
"Alonso is ready to play and if there is the necessity he can play," he said.
He also dismissed suggestions midfielder Cesc Fabregas could be sold in the next transfer window.
The Spain international has been reduced to a substitute's role so far this season, casting doubt over his future at the club.
But Conte said: "Cesc is in my plans and in Chelsea's plans.
"We all know Cesc is a fantastic player. I see him in every training session with great seriousness and if he continues in this way it will be very difficult choice for me.
"I want this from my players, to put doubts in my mind. Cesc is a great player, we all know he's a very technical player, but also I'm starting to know him like a man."
Chelsea, unbeaten this season, take on a Liverpool side buoyed by an impressive 4-1 win over champions Leicester last weekend.
"I'm expecting a very tough match against a strong team," added Conte.
"I think Liverpool is a really good team, they play with identity, they can bring many players on in an offensive situation and we must pay great attention tomorrow."
