Cesar Azpilicueta reportedly had a 'heated' training-ground row with Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri last week.

Azpilicueta has been with Chelsea since 2012 and has arguably been the club's most consistent performer over the last few years.

According to The Times, Azpilicueta took exception to the criticism that Sarri aimed at the players following the 2-0 defeat at Arsenal in the Premier League last weekend.

Sarri claimed that his players were "extremely difficult to motivate" in the aftermath of the defeat at Arsenal.

The report has claimed that Chelsea's stand-in captain objected to the criticism and Sarri was 'obviously impressed' by the Spaniard's willingness to defend his teammates.

Chelsea will welcome Sheffield Wednesday to Stamford Bridge in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday night.