David Luiz has revealed that he will not require surgery on his knee, despite playing through pain since picking up the knock back in December.
Even though Chelsea have conceded a few goals in recent weeks, their title bid has been founded on a solid defensive line. David Luiz has been at the centre of that defence, surprising many. Now, the Brazilian has revealed that he is still feeling the effects of Sergio Aguero’s challenge back in December and has been playing through pain.
"The international break gives me a good chance to rest my knee. It’s a very good thing for me.Only I feel the pain so nobody knows [how hard it’s been to cope with]. But we have amazing medical staff and they have been great with me."
More from The Pride of London
- Bournemouth 0-0 Chelsea player ratings: Abysmal, reckless, wasteful
- Bournemouth 0-0 Chelsea: 3 Blues talking points
- Bournemouth vs Chelsea: 1 Blue Mauricio Pochettino should drop
- Bournemouth vs Chelsea: 3 Blues who must start
- Predicted Chelsea lineup vs Bournemouth: Palmer starts in 4-2-3-1
Luiz was seen with strapping on his leg for long after that Manchester City fixture, but it did not prevent him from performing. Recently, the tape has disappeared but the Brazilian is still not 100%.
While most football fans are rueing the return of the international break, it’s certainly something that Luiz could do with.
The defender has been omitted from the Brazil squad and, while he is disappointed, he realises that it may be a blessing in disguise.
"I won’t need an operation in the summer. But it’s very good for me to rest, not just the knee, but the body as well.I am disappointed to not be in the Brazil squad, but I respect the decision."
With ten games left in this Premier League campaign, only a nosedive of cataclysmic proportions will prevent Chelsea from lifting the trophy. Having said that, all the players need to be focused in order to ensure that their rivals don’t even get a sniff.
A rested Luiz will be key to maintaining form through to the end of the season. For all that was said about the defender’s quality during his first Chelsea stint, he has proven to be a much more steady hand on his second go.
While Kurt Zouma, Nathan Ake and John Terry are waiting in the wings, Antonio Conte would rather not upset the Cesar Azpilicueta-Gary Cahill-Luiz partnership that has brought the Blues this far.
Hence, these two weeks off will both help Luiz recover and benefit Chelsea as a whole. A couple of wins on the other side of the break should all but seal the deal.
All quotes via Evening Standard.