John Terry will make a great future manager says his Chelsea boss - but he should play for as long as he can before swapping pitch for dugout.

The Blues legend is unavailable to face West Brom on Sunday as he recovers from injury, but Conte thinks he still has a part to play in the defence before he hangs up his boots.

"John has great experience and it's very important," the manager said. "But now he needs to be focused to be able to play. What's important is how he feels (in the future); what's in his soul. But as a manager? He can for sure."

'Boss': John Terry

Team news ahead of West Brom

Apart from Terry, the only other serious doubt is Oscar who is sick, but Nemanja Matic has recovered and as Conte points out, he has four midfielders to choose from - and one of them will miss out in a 4-3-3 system.

"Matic is fit he trained with us from Tuesday," Conte added. "I also have tomorrow to weigh up the situation for other players before I pick the team."

Are Chelsea favourites for the title after Manchester City win?

Naturally Conte played down the notion, but he accepted his team can no longer be described as 'underdogs.'

As he pointed out: "It's difficult to accept this (favourites tag) - we played only 14 games - there is the second part of the season. We started underdogs, and now difficult to accept this. It's important we don't lose our hunger."

Juventus' Andrea Pirlo, left, and Monaco's Nabil Dirar vie for the ball during the Champions League, quarterfinal in April 2015
Visit: Andrea Pirlo (L)

What was Italian legend Adrea Pirlo doing at the Cobham training ground?

With Blues looking for an assistant coach to replace Steve Holland at the end of the season - maybe the 37-year-old pal of the Chelsea boss might make a decent replacement?

Not so, said Conte, who found the idea amusing.

"I'm pleased for this visit Adrea Pirlo," he said. "I remember him as a big player and I'm very happy he came here with his son. We have a good relationship. He came only to visit.

"He has another year contract in America (with New York City) and is enjoying playing there.

On transfer moves for Cesc Fabregas and John Obi Mikel

"Cesc is an important player and we want him to stay," Conte explained. "I said this at the last press conference. Mikel in the squad and we will know (about him staying or going) at the end of the season.

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