He has made particular reference to Desailly, the France captain, and underlined that the veteran defender will receive no preferential treatment.

Desailly told the French newspaper L’Equipe that he continues to get on well with Ranieri, even though he has not played since January 18 and, at the age of 35, some have suggested he is fading as a top-class defender.

“Everything is clear with Claudio Ranieri,” said Desailly.

“He is asking me to be at my best to be at the disposition of the team.

“When there is nothing to choose between players in terms of form, he prefers the younger players.

"That’s a new situation. I must cope with it.

“The important thing is that when I am called on (by Ranieri) I must be at my best. When I am fully fit I am not worried.

“Of course my situation would be delicate if the coach (Ranieri) did not explain things.

“But you know I am Chelsea captain and I can discuss things with my coach (Ranieri).”

The Ghana-born defender, who has a record 111 caps for Les Bleus, admitted that Santini would soon have to make his choice from the many candidates contesting the centre-back roles.

“The coach (Santini) will do what he wants to do,” said Desailly, an integral part of the France team which dominated world football from 1998 until the ill-fated 2002 World Cup campaign.

“There is quality and potential when you look at (Mikael) Silvestre, (William) Gallas, (Philippe) Mexes, (Jean-Alain) Boumsong,” said Desailly of his defensive rivals.

“At the time when Laurent Blanc (who ended his France career in 2000) and I were supposed to be quitting they were wondering who would replace us.

“Now there is no need to worry.”