Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic 'to lose right-back spot'

Branislav Ivanovic celebrates scoring for Chelsea against Sunderland on December 19, 2015
© AFP
A report claims that Chelsea boss Antonio Conte will drop Branislav Ivanovic from his first XI after the arrivals of David Luiz and Marcos Alonso.

Branislav Ivanovic is reportedly facing the possibility of being frozen out at Chelsea this season as Antonio Conte prepares to reshuffle his defence following the summer transfer window.

Ivanovic, 32, has represented Chelsea since 2008, making 364 appearances in all competitions.

The Serbian has also started all four of Chelsea's competitive games under Conte this season, but according to The Sun, the experienced defender will be the victim of a reshuffle at the back.

The report claims that the arrivals of David Luiz and Marcos Alonso on transfer deadline day will see Cesar Azpilicueta switch to right-back, leaving Ivanovic as back-up to the Spanish international.

Ivanovic, whose form last season was called into question as Chelsea struggled to defend the Premier League title, will be out of contract at Stamford Bridge in June.

Fiorentina's Marcos Alonso in action against Pacos de Ferreira during their Europa League group match on September 19, 2013
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Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City4400114712
2Chelsea431094510
3Everton431072510
4Manchester UnitedMan Utd43017349
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs42207258
6Liverpool42119727
7Arsenal42118627
8Hull City42115327
9Middlesbrough41214405
10Watford411278-14
11Crystal Palace411234-14
12West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom411223-14
13Swansea CitySwansea411246-24
14Bournemouth411235-24
15Burnley411235-24
16Leicester CityLeicester411247-34
17West Ham UnitedWest Ham410359-43
18Southampton402236-32
19Sunderland401338-51
20Stoke CityStoke4013210-81