Luiz still suffering from Aguero challenge

David Luiz faces a late fitness test ahead of Chelsea's Premier League clash with West Brom on the knee injury he suffered against Manchester City last weekend.

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte says the Brazil defender is still suffering the after-effects of the "dangerous" Sergio Aguero challenge at the Etihad Stadium.

Aguero was sent off at the end of Chelsea's 3-1 win at Etihad Stadium for a wild lunge on Luiz, who went down clutching his left knee after falling awkwardly.

"Only after I saw the replays, that’s when I saw this was a very dangerous challenge for David Luiz," the Italian said.

"I have to check on Saturday if David Luiz is able to play on Sunday because, after this tackle … this tackle was very bad.

"So I have to check on his recovery from his injury. It will be very important tomorrow for him and for me to decide whether he’s able to play on Sunday. That tackle was dangerous, for sure. I watched the images and I was afraid [he might be injured]. I was scared. He’s trying to recover from this tackle."

Nemanja Matic is expected to return from a calf strain to partner N’Golo Kante in midfield, with Cesc Fabregas dropping to the bench, while Pedro will be rested with Willian, a goalscorer from the substitutes' bench against City, set to start instead.

League leaders Chelsea face away games at Sunderland and Crystal Palace next week after the game against Tony Pulis' side, and Conte wants to rotate his squad as they face up to seven games in 28 days over the Christmas break.

"We’ll have three games in seven days this week and, for this reason, it’s important to have all the squad, all the players in good form," the former Juventus and Italy boss said.

"I could take the decision to have more rotation.

"The best [scenario] is always to have a squad with 22, 23 or 24 players at a great level to support sometimes if you have some injuries during the season. But I think the most important thing now is to think game by game. For now it’s important to be fully concentrated on West Brom.

"Then, after the game, if we have new injuries or I see some players tired, we will see."

Photo (Getty Images/Paul Ellis)

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