Fabregas still part of Conte’s Chelsea plans

The player has repeatedly gone on record to state his commitment to the cause at Chelsea – that in spite of reports that Conte is willing to cash in on the former Barcelona and Arsenal star, with both AC Milan and Juventus linked with his signature.

“Cesc is in my plans and in Chelsea’s plans”, said Conte.

“We all know know Cesc is a fantastic player, and I’m pleased to see him in every training session with a great attitude”, Conte is quoted as saying by Sky.

“There are many speculations from Italy, of course, but I’m very glad to have him and that he stayed”.

“But I want this from a player – putting doubts in my mind over choosing my team”.

“We all know Cesc as a fantastic player. So I’m confident in him”. “But I’m not anxious about this”, added Conte. Now I’m starting to get to know him as a man.

Antonio Conte has made clear to Cesc Fàbregas he must improve on the defensive aspects of his game if he is to force his way back into the Chelsea first-team, with the Italian urging all his players to learn to sense danger better in matches as they strive for greater solidity.

He has a contract with the Premier League side until June 2019.

The Italian, who complained publicly last weekend about Costa’s treatment in the 2-2 draw at Swansea, went on: “He has three yellow cards, and two more is a ban”.

“Tomorrow David Luiz will play for the first time with us, and we expect him to play very well, with great attention”, said Conte of David Luiz, whose first Chelsea debut was also against Liverpool in a 1-0 home defeat in February 2011. Diego is still growing in this area. “It’s very hard to talk and tell your player to pay attention because, if you have two more…”

“Yes, I think that Diego knows [about the ban] and it’s important not to get the yellow cards for unusual situations”.

There have also been reports elsewhere that the player has held talks about his future with Blues boss Antonio Conte.

Among those players being put through their paces on Thursday was defender David Luiz who will make his second debut for Chelsea after returning from PSG in a shock £34million deal on transfer deadline day.