Gary Cahill remains an important member of the Chelsea squad despite having not played in more than three months, says Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri.
The former England international centre defender has only started six games for the Blues this season and has not featured at all since the Europa League win over PAOK Salonika in November.
The 33-year-old, who is out of contract in the summer, has only made one further appearance, coming on for the final 20 minutes against West Ham in September – his only Premier League outing.
“He is training with his team-mates of course,” Sarri said.
“I know very well in the dressing room he is very important and so we use him in the right way I think, because every player and member of the staff knows very well he is important.
“I know that he is the last year of the contract. I know there are some problems for a new contact but you have to ask the club I think.”
Cahill joined Chelsea from Bolton Wanderers in January 2101 and has won the Premier League twice, the FA Cup, League Cup, Champions League and the Europa League during his time at Stamford Bridge.
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