Cahill ‘very useful’ for Chelsea – Sarri

Gary Cahill has been frustrated at being overlooked. [Picture: Martin Rickett/PA Wire]

Maurizio Sarri has praised Gary Cahill and Cesc Fabregas for their performances at Liverpool but says he is unsure whether they are ready to play another 90 minutes this weekend.

Fabregas returned after injury in the Carabao Cup win at Anfield, where Cahill started his first match of the season.

Cahill performed well at the heart of the Blues defence and seemingly has a chance of keeping his place against Liverpool for Saturday’s league game at Stamford Bridge.

With Antonio Rudiger nursing an injury and Andreas Christensen having had a stomach problem this week, the former England centre-back could be called upon again.

Head coach Sarri said: “I am very, very happy with the performance of Fabregas and Cahill. They played for 90 minutes after a long time.

“I don’t know at the moment if they are ready to play twice in a week for 90 minutes.

“But now, after Wednesday, I am sure they will be very useful for us during the season. That is very important for me.”

Sarri has spoken to Cahill about the player’s future. [Picture: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire]

Sarri also reiterated that Cahill needs to be patient after being overlooked since the Italian took over.

Cahill recently said he would seek a move when the transfer window reopens in January if he is not back in the Chelsea side.

“I have spoken with him but there is October, November and December, so I think he has to wait and we have to wait,” said Sarri.

“I repeat: I was really happy with the performance of Cahill. So now Gary for me is very useful. January is far from now, so we’ll see.”