Chelsea
head coach Antonio Conte says he is "disappointed" that some people are
questioning his honesty over the fitness of David Luiz.
Luiz has started just one game since the 3-0 Champions League group-stage
loss at Roma on October 31, having been dropped for the visit of Manchester
United on November 5 amid talk of a fallout.
That appearance came in last month's 4-0 win at Qarabag, but since then Luiz
has been out with inflammation around his knee and Conte has previously
bristled at suggestions of a breakdown in their relationship.
Asked about the issue again ahead of Saturday's Premier League visit of
Southampton, Conte said he would like Chelsea medical director Paco Biosca
to corroborate Luiz's injury.
"I understand that someone is thinking that I'm not telling the truth. I'm
disappointed about this, but I can understand it," Conte said.
"I like to tell you the truth at every moment. I'd like to tell you a bad
truth rather than a good lie.
"I will try to solve the situation. I think we can call the doctor and
organise a (media) conference with the doctor for him to explain the medical
situation."
Brazil defender Luiz is continuing his rehabilitation at Chelsea's Cobham
training base and has this week started running again.
The 30-year-old, re-signed from Paris St Germain in August 2016, was an
integral figure in Chelsea's title win last season, but has recently been
linked with a move amid suggestions he is unhappy.
Conte says all of Chelsea's players should be happy.
"I understand that every player wants to play, this is normal. But we must
be very, very, three, four, 1,000 times happy to have this job, to have this
life," Conte said.
The form of Andreas Christensen has led many to suggest Luiz will struggle
to regain his place once he has recovered his fitness. Conte played that
prospect down, due to the fixture schedule.
He added: "Until now, my players - every player - have all played a lot of
games.
"We have to play every three days and it's right to make rotations and give
opportunities to every player."
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