Chelsea boss Antonio Conte: 'I want to keep David Luiz in defence'

Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte has suggested that he will only use David Luiz in midfield as a last resort.

The Blues head into their Premier League clash with Crystal Palace without both N'Golo Kante and Danny Drinkwater, leaving Conte short in the middle of the park.

Luiz has previously been pushed further forward, but Conte has revealed that he would prefer the Brazilian to remain at the centre of his defence.

The 48-year-old told reporters: "We have to adapt a player in Luiz in midfield who is very important as a central defender. For me he is one of the best central defenders.

"If I can, I prefer not to change a lot. You try to find a solution and you can lose in the defence. When I decided to utilise him in midfield against Tottenham, could be an option if I decide to play three midfielders.

"But I don't want to change a lot, but I also want to give an opportunity to young players like Ampadu and Scott."

Tiemoue Bakayoko and Cesc Fabregas are regarded as Chelsea's only two central midfielders ahead of the trip to Selhurst Park.