Good news in the short and long term regarding David Luiz’s knee injury

David “calamity” Luiz has been playing through a nagging knee injury ever since Sergio “not that sort of player” Aguero committed studded assault on it in the dying moments of Chelsea’s 3-1 win at the Etihad back in December. While he hasn’t been forced to miss time, the injury is something that has had to be managed for the last four months and will have to be managed through the run-in to the end of the season.

The good news is that David apparently will not need surgery in the summer. And while his excellent performances for Chelsea this season were not rewarded with a recall to the Brazilian national team, the two-week international break will also provide a welcome opportunity to rest the ailment. So while he’s disappointed to not get the call, he knows that it’s a blessing in disguise at this current moment.

"The international break gives me a good chance to rest my knee. It’s a very good thing for me. Only I feel the pain so nobody knows [how hard it’s been to cope with]. But we have amazing medical staff and they have been great with me. "

"Every single match, every single player they are there for every player. They have helped me a lot. I won’t need an operation in the summer. But it’s very good for me to rest, not just the knee, but the body as well."

"I am disappointed to not be in the Brazil squad, but I respect the decision. I’m playing regularly and trying to do my best to come back [into the squad]. Have I been told why I wasn’t picked? No."

In interviews with Chelsea manager Antonio Conte and his players, one of the recurring themes has been “character”, with the head coach often referring to David Luiz as a “warrior”. But for the man who played through the 2012 Champions League final on just one leg, it’s just another day at the office.

"We have to show every day in our lives that we are tough men as well as good footballers. You need to be a good human, with a good personality, to be honest. It’s not just inside the pitch, it’s about being this way every day. When you’re with people, you need to show your character."

"The Premier League hasn’t changed since I was here before. It’s always so difficult, especially at Stoke, but we did well."

-David Luiz; Source: London Evening Standard

Not much was expected from him when David Luiz returned to Chelsea on the final day of the summer transfer window, but just as the team have exceeded all expectations, so has the curly haired one.

Ten games to go (and hopefully two more in the FA Cup)!