Maurizio Sarri has insisted that Chelsea are using Gary Cahill “the right way” despite criticism over his handling of the former Blues captain.
Several pundits have questioned Sarri’s snubbing of Cahill, who has not played for more than three months.
His omission has seemed particularly strange in light of the defensive frailties which have blighted Chelsea’s season.
There have even been reports that Cahill’s team-mates are unhappy with the way Sarri has treated the ex-England defender.
However, head coach Sarri continues to insist Cahill is not suited to his style of play.
Cahill’s contract expires at the end of the season and there appears to be little chance of him signing a new deal and staying at Stamford Bridge.
But Sarri says he still regards Cahill as an important part of the dressing room.
“I know that very well he is in 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,” Sarri said at the press conference on Friday afternoon.
“He is training with his team-mates of course. 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.”