David Luiz to start against Liverpool but Marcos Alonso must wait for Chelsea debut

David Luiz will start for Chelsea against Liverpool on Friday (16 September) in place of the injured John Terry, Antonio Conte has confirmed in a press conference.

Luiz, 30, completed a sensational return to Stamford Bridge on transfer deadline day, rejoining from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal reportedly worth £30m (€35.2m). The Brazil international was left on the bench in the 2-2 draw with Swansea City last Sunday, but with captain John Terry ruled out with a ligament injury, the fan favourite will come straight into replace him at the heart of defence.

Another deadline day signing in Marcos Alonso, who arrived from Serie A side Fiorentina, was also an unused substitute in the draw with Swansea. However, he may have to wait a little longer to make his debut. Conte suggested Tuesday's League Cup meeting with Leicester City could be "a good opportunity to see him".

Terry suffered strained ligaments in his foot in the dying moments of the draw at the Liberty Stadium. The former England international appears likely to miss the League Cup clash with Leicester City on 20 September. but could be available again for Chelsea's trip to Arsenal four days later.

A statement from the club explained: "John Terry's injury suffered in Sunday's game at Swansea is strained ligaments in his foot. He will be out for approximately 10 days. Our captain was injured in the closing minutes of the 2-2 draw at the Liberty Stadium. He completed the game in pain and Antonio Conte confirmed afterwards the problem would need medical assessment."

Chelsea's 100% start to the season was halted by Swansea on Sunday, with a late Diego Costa strike rescuing them a point. The Blues had previously secured wins against West Ham United, Burnley and Watford.