Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has confirmed that he could deploy the 3-4-3 formation after the signing of defender David Luiz.
The Brazilian returned to Stamford Bridge after a spell at Paris Saint-Germain and is expected to start Sunday's away game at Swansea City on the bench.
And the Italian has revealed that he is ready to ditch the 3-5-2 in favour of a 3-4-3 now that the 29-year-old is back at the club.
"It can be an opportunity [to play with three at the back], a solution, yeah," Conte confirmed.
"It can happen in the future. This squad can play with 3-4-3, not 3-5-2 like the Italy national team or Juventus, because of the characteristics of the players.
"We bought David Luiz because we needed a centre-back. I know he played sometimes in midfield before but in my mind now there isn't this idea. He has to work with us as a centre-back.
"A great defender must be able to play football and defend, but the coach must improve his players. This is the most important thing for me, not only to win, lose or draw – to improve your players, to work on their weaknesses, and make the player stronger.
"David has great personality, great technique, and he likes to play.
"I like a defender who likes to play football. I know David can improve in defensive situations. Every player until the end of their career can improve. I say that from my experience as a footballer.
"David Luiz is 29, a fantastic age for him to become one of the best defenders in the world. I am seeing great commitment from him. He wanted to play for Chelsea and it's a great opportunity for him and for us to improve.
"I am very happy he is a here. He is a good guy, a positive guy for the changing room, and I'm pleased with it."
