Chelsea duo David Luiz and Willian have been frozen out at Chelsea and fear that their friendships with Diego Costa could be the reason why, according to the Times.
The newspaper report that defender Luiz fears manager Antonio Conte is punishing him because of his association with Costa.
The Times report that the Brazil international attempted to broker a truce between Conte and Costa “on several occasions last season” before the relationship totally disintegrated over the summer, when the striker was told in a text message that he was no longer wanted.
It is said that William is another close friend of Costa’s and he has also had his game time reduced this season, with his last five Premier League and Champions League appearances all coming as a substitute.
Luiz reportedly fears for his long=term future at the club after being dropped from the matchday squad for Sunday’s 1-0 Premier League win against Manchester United.