Sunderland vs. Chelsea: Antonio Conte's Key Pre-Match Press Conference Quotes

Antonio Conte has said Chelsea have not spoken to John Terry regarding his future amid reports he had been informed he would not be getting a new deal at Stamford Bridge, and he will assess Kenedy over the next month before deciding whether to send him out on loan again. 

Per Goal's Nizaar Kinsella, Conte denied such talks with Terry had taken place:

According to the Times' Matt Hughes (subscription required), the 36-year-old has already been told he is in his final year as a Chelsea player and would be handed a role elsewhere in the club.

Asked if he could become a coach under the Italian, Conte would not be drawn on Terry's future, according to the Sun's Duncan Wright: "It's better to be focused on the present. John is able to have different roles in football, but for now it is important to play if he is needed."

Per ESPN FC's Liam Twomey, Conte also reserved plenty of praise for the club legend:

After playing 90 minutes in each of Chelsea's first four games this season, Terry has been restricted to just a six-minute cameo after an injury saw him withdrawn from the team.

Meanwhile, Kenedy has returned from his loan spell at Watford having played just 15 minutes for the Hornets, and Conte won't rush to send him back out again:

The winger spent much of his time last season covering at left-back and could provide cover for Marcos Alonso in Chelsea's 3-4-3 formation or perhaps even be used on the left in the front three.

He might find getting in the team difficult at present, however, as the Blues have embarked on a sensational nine-game winning streak, a run that included games against Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur. 

Conte admitted he was as surprised as everyone else by the run, per Wright: "If I must be honest, I didn't think we would win nine in the row. I know this league is very tough, to win any game you must give all of yourselves. To win nine in a row is fantastic."

Key to their run has been Diego Costa's form—the Spain striker has notched seven goals and four assists in that time.

The 47-year-old hailed Costa's form and attitude, per Chelsea's official Twitter feed:

Conte also reiterated Cesc Fabregas' importance to the team:

The Spaniard has struggled for game time this season but has impressed in the limited chances he's had, the last two games in particular.

Looking ahead to Wednesday's clash with Sunderland, Conte warned his players against complacency when they face the struggling Black Cats:

David Moyes' side are bottom of the table but have won three of their last five. With the game taking place at the Stadium of Light, the Blues are wise to remain focused as they target their 10th straight win.

However, in their last match, Sunderland slipped to a disappointing 3-0 defeat to fellow strugglers Swansea City, so they'll need to bounce back if they're to keep their own momentum going.

Chelsea should be able to win here—particularly if the likes of Costa and Fabregas keep performing as they have.