Doubts remain over Jorginho’s Chelsea future – and Frank Lampard refused to comment on the issue at his pre-match press conference on Friday.
Jorginho, overlooked for recent games, is expected to return to the starting line-up for today’s match at Sheffield United.
But reports suggest he could be in the final stages of his Blues career, with reports in Italy suggesting he is being targeted by Juventus.
Blues boss Lampard has been quick to make it clear the likes of N’Golo Kante and Ross Barkley will stay when asked about reports those players could go.
However, there was no such response from Lampard when he was asked at a press conference if he believed Jorginho would still be at Stamford Bridge next season.
He replied: “I keep getting asked about next season. It’s irrelevant to me.
“These final few games will define how we sit and look at this season and look forward to next season.”
But Lampard did back Jorginho to deliver for Chelsea if he is recalled to the side against the Blades.
He said: “I don’t think there’s a point to prove for Jorginho. He proves it in training and when he plays. I just want to see the usual Jorginho.
“I am very pleased with his attitude. It is what I expect of players.
“There’s no way you go through seasons without moments where you are possibly out of the team and that are difficult individually.
“You have to have a toughness individually and collectively, hence why I made the move to make him vice-captain when I came in because I saw that in his personality.
“He did very well when he came on (against Crystal Palace). At that moment it was exactly what I wanted from him.
“I wanted him to take control, to drive it with his voice and with his quality of pass, which he has done for a huge part of this season for us as well.”