Branislav Ivanovic is reportedly facing the possibility of being frozen out at Chelsea this season as Antonio Conte prepares to reshuffle his defence following the summer transfer window.
Ivanovic, 32, has represented Chelsea since 2008, making 364 appearances in all competitions.
The Serbian has also started all four of Chelsea's competitive games under Conte this season, but according to The Sun, the experienced defender will be the victim of a reshuffle at the back.
The report claims that the arrivals of David Luiz and Marcos Alonso on transfer deadline day will see Cesar Azpilicueta switch to right-back, leaving Ivanovic as back-up to the Spanish international.
Ivanovic, whose form last season was called into question as Chelsea struggled to defend the Premier League title, will be out of contract at Stamford Bridge in June.
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
