Antonio Conte is fighting to keep a grip on his Chelsea squad as he desperately tries to salvage something from the season. Chelsea travel to seventh-placed Burnley on Thursday before their FA Cup semi-final tie against Southampton at Wembley on Sunday.

A strong finish to the season and winning the FA Cup would maintain Conte’s reputation as one of the best coaches in world football. But he has become concerned in recent weeks that his players are beginning to switch off, with Champions League qualification almost out of their reach.

Antonio Rudiger’s omission from the squad for the dramatic Premier League comeback against Southampton has raised questions over his relationship with Conte.

Rudiger admitted that he had “probably” been dropped for being perceived to have criticised Conte’s tactics, but the Germany international is not the only Chelsea player to have questioned the Italian’s ­approach. Having dumped Diego Costa by text message over the summer, Conte has fallen out with David Luiz and Kenedy this season.

His repetitive training sessions, which worked so well last term, and preference for keeping his players on their toes by refusing to share his plans, has caused annoyance. Conte has picked up on the frosty atmosphere. Last week he spoke to individuals to try to find out whether there were any grievances he could address.