Antonio Conte says neither him nor Chelsea have held contract extension talks with midfielder John Mikel Obi.

Mikel who is Chelsea’s second-longest-serving player behind captain John Terry is yet to feature in a match day squad for the club this season.

“Now? Have I spoken to him now? No. No. No but, I repeat, now it’s important to be focused on the championship in this period,” Conte told reporters.

Mikel’s contract with The Blues ends next summer and he has had no playing time since the arrival of N’Golo Kante from Leicester City.

“We are in November. It’s important to be focused on the pitch. Then, we can focus other situations in time. It’s normal in every squad, there are players who are towards the end of their contract, and they and the club together take a decision on their futures.

“Mikel is working very well now. In the past he’s sometimes had some injuries but now he’s working very hard and I’m pleased with his work-rate.”