Chelsea insists Conte's job is safe after bookies suspend betting

Antonio Conte will be on the touchline when Chelsea hosts Leicester City on Saturday as the Premier League side was forced to deny reports suggesting the Italian is on the verge of being sacked.

On Thursday, speculation over his future was rampant after several British bookmakers, including Paddy Power, suspended betting on his possible dismissal after apparently learning that he was absent from the team's training ground.

It was thought that Conte was, instead, at Stamford Bridge attending a meeting with owner Roman Abramovich to discuss his future at the club just three months after being appointed manager.

Chelsea, however, was quick to dismiss the reports, telling Sky Sports the Italian boss was preparing for Saturday's match as usual, and was indeed present at the team's training facility.

After winning his opening three matches in charge, Chelsea failed to register a league win in September, drawing Swansea before losing to Liverpool and Arsenal.

Chelsea currently sits eighth in the table with 13 points after seven games.