Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo has indicated that John Terry's status as club captain doesn't guarantee him a starting spot every match.
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This, after the former England skipper was an unused substitute in Wednesday's 3-2 UEFA Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk.
Had he played a part, it would've helped tune him up for his expected return from domestic suspension in Sunday's clash with Liverpool.
However, the 31-year-old was reportedly not match fit to play in midweek so it remains to be seen whether he'll be risked against the Reds from the outset.
Di Matteo has insisted Terry still plays a pivotal role for the European champions.
Yet, the Italian tactician has revealed that doesn't necessarily translate into regular game-time for the Blues centre-back.
"He's certainly a fantastic player for us and he will continue to be so and continue to be our captain and our leader when he plays," said Di Matteo.
"(But) I don't think anybody's guaranteed a starting place.
"They all have to work and be fighting for their place in the team."
He added: "We've got a lot of competition in the team and they're all internationals.
"We've got an England international playing or a Brazil international, or a Serbia international.
"So, all of them are international players that have a lot of quality and they are at a very high level."
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