Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is weighing up dropping Branislav Ivanovic for the first time since Andre Villas-Boas when they play Hull on Saturday, according to The Daily Telegraph.
Ivanovic, 32, who is known to have a close relationship with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, has been heavily criticised for his performances in the last two seasons but has been an ever-present in the starting XI since joining in 2008.
The Serbia international has been the model of consistency for the majority of that period but Conte could look to drop the right-back in an attempt to solve their defensive problems.
While Ivanovic has missed matches through injury and been rested on occasion, he has not been dropped from the starting XI since Villas-Boas did in the 2011/12 season. The Portuguese manager was later sacked that season and Ivanovic was immediately restored to the team by interim manager Roberto di Matteo.
In 238 league appearances in the last seven Premier League seasons Ivanovic has only committed two errors that have directly led to a goal.
For more stats on Branislav Ivanovic, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
don't know how he's not been dropped yet, kick him out and put Azpilicueta in his natural position