Chelsea legend Frank Lampard feels Antonio Conte dropped David Luiz as a message to the rest of his squad.

Luiz hasn't been seen since his axing for the win over Manchester United.

Lampard wrote for the London Evening Standard: "By dropping David Luiz for the past two games, Antonio Conte has sent out a major statement to the Chelsea squad.

"Conte is a strong manager and is certainly showing everyone who's in charge. This is football. The manager has stamped his authority and it's his right to do so.

"If there is conflict in the dressing room, it is not the worst thing in the world. Yet it is important that it does not spread as a negative because then it becomes a problem.

"The manager obviously thinks it's the right thing to do in this case.

"I can't believe the choice has been taken solely based on performance.

"Luiz's level hasn't dropped dramatically, but Conte has decided to send a message and the team have won both fixtures without him."