Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte has revealed that the club's medical team are currently assessing a "big inflammation" in the knee of David Luiz.
The defender has played on with knee issues for over a year, but the Brazilian international has spent a number of weeks on the sidelines in an attempt to treat the problem.
However, Conte has suggested that Luiz is unlikely to be involved in the first team for their fixtures over the Christmas period.
The 48-year-old told reporters: "David has a big inflammation in his knee and we are trying to solve this situation with the doctor. It's important to assess the situation day by day and to try solve this problem.
"I don't know when he is able to come back with us, but for sure with the doctor and the medical department we are trying to solve the situation."
Luiz was rumoured to have had a disagreement with Conte over the team's tactics before spending time in the treatment room.
Darren Plant
