Paris Saint-Germain coach Unai Emery stressed the importance of captain Thiago Silva ahead of the French champions' Ligue 1 clash with Stade Rennais on Sunday but refused to be drawn on rumours the Brazilian defender is close to a contract extension at Parc des Princes.
According to L'Equipe, the 32-year-old has agreed a new deal until 2019 and the contract could be signed quickly with Edinson Cavani and Marquinhos expected to follow suit.
Emery said Silva is a "very important" member of the squad but added: "I will not be speaking about his possible new contract though."
Silva took a blow to the head during PSG's 2-1 win away at Basel in the Champions League on Tuesday when he collided with goalkeeper Alphonse Areola and is a doubt for the visit of Rennes this weekend.
Presnel Kimpembe is expected to deputise if the Brazilian misses out and Emery dismissed claims that his recent absences from matchday squads was part of a punishment handed out by the capital club for unprofessional behaviour as contract talks drag on.
Instead, the Spaniard called it "a tactical decision" and emphasised that the PSG youth academy graduate has been established as the team's third-choice central defender "since David Luiz's departure."
"On the bench, there is [Grzegorz] Krychowiak or [Thiago] Motta and both can lay in central defence," Emery said. "If Silva or Marquinhos do not start, then Kimpembe does. The club has not told me to not play him. The rest of this issue is between the player and the club."
Adrien Rabiot received his first call-up to the France senior squad this week and the midfielder's international recognition is the result of an impressive start to life under Emery at PSG.
The 45-year-old coach revealed his delight for Rabiot and his satisfaction at the "very good progression" shown by the youngster since the start of the season.
"His call-up is a very good thing," Emery said. "I think he is destined for great things with PSG and France. He has grown very much, even in such a short space of time."
On the visit of Rennes, Emery called it "a tough game against an opponent in good form" and spoke of his desire to see "the opponents suffering against us."