Chelsea boss Antonio Conte unwilling to be drawn on David Luiz's future as side train ahead of West Ham clash

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Antonio Conte has refused to discuss David Luiz's future at Chelsea amid uncertainty over his position in the Italian's plans.

Luiz has been out for more than two weeks a knee injury but it is by no means certain whether he will return to prominent role under Conte, with the pair's relationship believed to be strained after Luiz questioned his manager's tactics last month.

When asked on Friday if Luiz was 'happy' at Chelsea ahead of the transfer window opening next month, Conte was adamant he would not be drawn on the topic, saying: 'I think now this is not the right moment to speak about this.

David Luiz is believed to have a strained relationship with Chelsea manager Antonio Conte

The Italian refused to be drawn on Luiz's future ahead of the game against West Ham

Manager Conte oversees Chelsea's training session at Cobham on Friday afternoon

'Now there is a lot of games before the transfer window. Now I think is not the right moment to speak about this. Now this is not important.'

Luiz will miss Saturday's clash with West Ham, as will Danny Drinkwater, who has a fever, while the rest of the Chelsea team trained on Friday.

On Luiz's injury, Conte was unable to give a timescale for his return from inflammation of his right knee, which has been a recurring issue over the past year. 

 Luiz is out with a knee injury and Conte did not give a timescale on his return to action

Wing-back Marcos Alonso passes the ball during the session as Victor Moses looks on

Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois gets down to parry the ball away from his net

Spanish forward Pedro works with the ball at his feet, watched by Ethan Ampadu (right)

Eden Hazard takes part in a training drill as Chelsea prepare to take on London rivals West Ham

Conte said: 'I don't know the right time. In this case I think the doctor can speak about Luiz's situation and be more precise, more accurate.'

Ahead of facing West Ham, Conte is expecting a 'physical' game and admitted it has been 'strange' to see them struggle so badly this season.

He said: 'I must be honest, West Ham have a lot of good players and are as a team very physical. It's a bit strange to see them in this position in the table.

'For sure they have the potential to do better. I hope not from tomorrow, but after our game. For sure this team is a really good team with good players.'

Midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko passes the ball during a cold winter day in Cobham

Alvaro Morata, who wore a scarf, a hat and gloves, passes the ball to a team-mate

Academy graduate Jake Clarke-Salter juggles the ball with his feet on Friday afternoon

Conte also expressed his surprise that West Ham have struggled so much this season