David Luiz set to make Chelsea debut as John Terry ruled out

David Luiz is poised to make his second debut for Chelsea in the game against Liverpool on Friday after John Terry was ruled out for up to 10 days with strained ligaments in his ankle.

Terry sustained the injury in stoppage time at the end of the 2-2 draw at Swansea City on Sunday and departed the Liberty Stadium on crutches. The 35-year-old underwent a scan yesterday once the swelling in the foot had subsided sufficiently, with the tests revealing the damage. He will also miss the EFL Trophy tie with Leicester City next Tuesday, and potentially the visit to Arsenal on September 24th.

His absence will hand David Luiz a route into the team, partnering Gary Cahill in central defence. The Brazil international rejoined on transfer deadline day for an initial £34 million (€40 million) from Paris Saint-Germain, where he had been a key player for the past two years. The 29-year-old was an unused substitute at Swansea but has impressed Antonio Conte with his positive attitude since returning to Stamford Bridge.

Out for 10 days

“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,” read a Chelsea statement.

“Our captain was injured in the closing minutes of the 2-2 draw. He completed the game in pain and Antonio Conte confirmed afterwards the problem would need medical assessment.”

In a post on his Instagram account, Terry wrote: “I have strained my ligaments in my ankle which means I will be out for 10 days. Absolutely gutted, but will be giving everything to get back playing.”

Liverpool have received a boost for the match at Stamford Bridge following the return to training yesterday of Emre Can and Dejan Lovren, with the pair having missed the 4-1 victory against Leicester at Anfield on Saturday.

Can has been restricted to just one start this season due to a combination of back and ankle problems while Lovren was forced to sit out the match last weekend because of a head injury.

The defender Mamadou Sakho also returned to training yesterday having not featured for Liverpool since April. Guardian Service