Maurizio Sarri drops update on Gary Cahill's future

Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has called club captain Gary Cahill to be patient amid the speculation linking him with a Stamford Bridge exit.

The England international returned from his World Cup break earlier in the month but he has since been excluded out of the matchday squads versus Huddersfield Town and Arsenal.

Speaking ahead of the Newcastle United game, Sarri confirmed that it is difficult for him to make the change with Antonio Rudiger and David Luiz having already adjusted to his tactical setup.

He added that Cahill needs to remain patient for his opportunity and there is no other way for the experienced centre-back, he said: "With Cahill I think at this moment for a defender it's more difficult to play in my team after only 20 days of training. I told him that he needs to be patient now but that he is very important for us."

Rudiger and Luiz were defensively average during the 3-2 triumph over Arsenal last weekend and they could have quite easily lost the game, had the Gunners made the most of their scoring opportunities.

As such, the pair cannot afford any more lapses in the playing field and the likes of Cahill and Andreas Christensen could enter the fray, if Sarri decides on making a change.