Having been found guilty by the Football Association of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand in a Premier League game a year ago, Terry is currently serving a four-match domestic ban.
As a result, Tuesday's Group E battle with Shakhtar Donetsk offers the Chelsea skipper the perfect chance to put the events of recent weeks behind him.
Speaking to The Telegraph ahead of Tuesday's match in Ukraine, Di Matteo said of Terry's suspension: "I certainly think he has realised that he used language that was inappropriate and he has apologised for that and has certainly learned from that issue."
The manager said: "With good performances and good behaviour in the future he should still be looked upon as the leader for our club. I've never been concerned about picking him."
"He’s been able to focus on the games and that’s what the players love to do, play football – and it’s good for them that they can focus on that."
