Antonio Conte has suggested he hopes John Terry will remain at Chelsea but says no decision will be made on his future until the end of the season.
The 36-year-old's contract at Stamford Bridge expires in the summer and he has made only five Premier League appearances this season.
Terry, whom Conte says has been performing a vital role in transferring his message to the players behind the scenes, has started every FA Cup game instead.
Asked if Monday's quarter-final clash with Manchester United could be Terry's last FA Cup tie at Stamford Bridge, with the semi-final and final to be played at Wembley, Conte said: "For John? I hope no.
"I don't know about this. I repeat, I prefer every situation, or my situation, or a player's situation, to face it at the end of the season, when it will be the right time for everyone."
Reports on Thursday claimed Chelsea have no plans to offer Terry another playing contract but want him to remain at Stamford Bridge as a coach in the academy. However, Terry wants to continue playing and would consider moving to a Premier League rival.
Conte was then asked whether he thinks Terry still be at Chelsea next season, and he said: "I repeat, John is doing great work this season off the pitch. For me he is very important in this season because he is the captain.
"He is working very well and helping me a lot in the changing room to transfer the right message. He is an important player for us."