Guus Hiddink acknowledges John Terry has a huge presence in the Chelsea dressing room but has warned the skipper nobody is irreplaceable.

The legendary Blues skipper revealed at the weekend that no contract extension had been forthcoming from the club and it appears he will be leaving come the end of the season.

Chelsea are keen to stress that channels of communication remain open with the defender and could yet offer the former England captain fresh terms at Stamford Bridge.

However, it is looking an increasingly unlikely scenario for the 35-year-old veteran who has as much influence behind the scenes as he does on the pitch in west London.

"I can say theoretically that no one is irreplaceable, not even a manager," Hiddink said. "But [Terry] is of huge impact, and has been and will be in the upcoming games.

“Here at Chelsea, you mention Didier Drogba [whose second spell at the club ended last summer], and these are people who have had a huge impact on the pitch.

John Terry's Chelsea career highlights in pictures:

“That’s where it has to happen. But, on top of that, they have a presence within the group in the dressing room. [If Terry does leave] it will be a new situation, if it happens.

“But let’s see what will happen in the short term, and if there are new leaders coming up in the group. Theoretically, no one is irreplaceable.

“John has a huge impact: he has had that in recent games and he will do in the upcoming games, both in the dressing room and out on the pitch.”

Terry’s contract revelation appeared to be an action taken out of frustration with a lack of negotiations and Hiddink admitted he had been surprised with his decision to go public.

The Dutchman has worked with him in two spells as manager and would recommend Chelsea consider extending his stay, even if it is in a coaching capacity at the Bridge.

“I recommend what I think and people can do as they like,” he added.

“But it’s not a closed door. It was a bit surprising [that Terry chose to announce publicly no offer would be forthcoming] but he’s entitled to do what he did given his contract expires at the end of the season.

Read more: Five things we learned from Guus Hiddink's Watford vs Chelsea press conference

Still going strong: Chelsea's English defender John Terry warms up

“On the other hand, the club still want to have the dialogue and to have an open door still. No specific decision was made yet.

“You have to see what’s coming up with the transition of the new manager as well. So the door is not shut and dialogue is always possible.

“For every player or manager, the age comes when you have to say goodbye. You have to ask yourself if that is happening. It’s difficult.

“At a lower level, I can help him prepare: I had the same experience because I loved the game so much and, when you’re quitting, it’s difficult.

“My manager told me to step off the pitch when I was 36. Sometimes you don’t see it yourself. I must say John is doing perfectly in his performances, so I’m not suggesting anything, but we spoke about things.

“He can carry on, of course. He’s fit. His ambition is enough to carry on.”