Maurizio Sarri EXCLUDES experienced Chelsea star - Blues boss barely speaks to key man

Posted Wednesday, February 13, 2019 by Dailystar.co.uk

The central defender was told he would keep the club captaincy for the season ahead back in November but has featured predominantly in the Europa League this term.

Cahill has made just one Premier League appearance under Sarri, playing 21 minutes against West Ham back in September.

And it appears the Stamford Bridge chief has no intention of calling on the 33-year-old to solve Chelsea's defensive problems.

According to the Telegraph, Cahill's influence has been minimised by the fact he rarely features in matchday squads.

And Sarri has also made no effort to put Cahill's experience to good use, barely speaking to the former Bolton defender.

Speaking earlier in the season, the Italian said of Cahill: "I respect him very much because he has won everything with this club, but then I have to do my job.

"Every match I have to choose.

"For me it is not [possible] to have him on the bench.

Maurizio Sarri EXCLUDES experienced Chelsea star - Blues boss barely speaks to key man
Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri is said to have excluded Gary Cahill (Pic: Getty)

"Maybe he is the best [of our defenders] in the box, but our defenders may play 100 or 110 balls in a match so I need defenders [to play] very technically."

Cahill almost left the club in January, with Fulham chasing his signature all month.

The relegation-troubled outfit wanted to sign the defender until the end of the season.

However, Cahill is keen to sign a long-term deal at whichever club he joins next.

Speaking last month, Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri said: "He is a very important player and, for us, it would be fantastic. But I don't know if he wants to come and fight with us."

Reports suggest the former England international also turned down offers from Monaco and Juventus.

Chelsea's defence has been slammed of late after big defeats to Bournemouth and Man City.