David Luiz returns to training, still fears for his place after being dropped vs Man United

David Luiz returned to training at Chelsea on Wednesday after he was exiled by Antonio Conte, reports say.

Conte dropped Luiz from the matchday squad that faced Manchester United on Sunday and the centre-back was made watch from the stands at Stamford Bridge.

The Chelsea boss insisted Luiz was dropped for tactical reasons and dismissed questions about a potential feud developing with the defender.

Luiz has now been welcomed back to training, but is still fearing for his future at the club.

The Evening Standard claim Luiz and Conte fell out in September and the club were initially worried it could develop into a similar feud that forced Diego Costa out of Stamford Bridge.

Conte was on dreadful terms with Costa after he asked to leave the club on three different occasions and eventually the Chelsea manager told the striker via text he was no longer required.

Luiz’s criticism of Conte’s tactics in the 3-0 defeat to Roma prompted the Chelsea boss to drop the Brazilian from the United matchday squad.

Conte was also enraged to see Luiz react poorly to being substituted against Roma back in October at Stamford Bridge.

The club insist the developing tensions with Conte and Luiz does not compare to the breakdown with Costa.

Luiz trained with the rest of the Chelsea first-team on Wednesday afternoon as he continues to manage niggling injuries.

Wrist and calf problems have been bothering Luiz and he has played through the pain for much of the season.

Andreas Christensen could now keep Luiz out of the Chelsea side after he impressed against United.

Conte called on the Dane to fill Luiz’s shoes on Sunday and Christensen seems set to keep his place.

‘I don’t know. He has to work really hard, otherwise he is on the bench or in the stands,’ said Conte of Luiz on Sunday.