LONDON -- Antonio Conte has said John Terry is still a very important player for Chelsea as the club look to keep their hopes of a Double alive with victory over Manchester United in the FA Cup quarterfinals on Monday.
Reports this week claimed Chelsea captain Terry is willing to consider joining another Premier League club to prolong his top-level career, with the Premier League leaders reportedly informing their captain that he will not be offered a new playing contract.
But with Chelsea closing in on the Premier League title, Conte said he needed his help on and off the pitch.
Asked whether Monday could prove to be Terry's last FA Cup match at Stamford Bridge, Conte replied: "I hope [it will not be] no... I don't know about this.
"I prefer to face this type of situation -- my situation, my players' situation -- at the end of the season when it'll be the right time for everyone.
"John is doing great work this season, on and off the pitch.
"For me, he's very important in this season because he's the captain and he's working very well on the pitch and helping me a lot in the changing room, transferring the right message."
Conte refused to be drawn on whether Terry would feature against United but said he had no new injury concerns and would field a strong team.
"I have to decide the starting XI," he added. "For sure, I try to make the best decision for the team.
"We want to go into the next round, in the same way Manchester United do, so I'll try and make the best decision for the team. It's normal."
Terry has made just one Premier League appearance since Conte's decision to switch Chelsea to a 3-4-3 formation in late September.
He has indicated that he would like to continue playing beyond this season even as he studies for his coaching badges.
Last week, former teammate and close friend Frank Lampard said he did not believe moving elsewhere in the Premier League would tarnish Terry's legacy at Chelsea in the eyes of fans, though the 36-year-old has previously said he could not play for another English club.