Gary Cahill says he will ask Chelsea for a January move if his first-team exile continues.
It comes amid speculation over the future of Cahill, who this week has been linked with the likes of Watford and Aston Villa.
The defender, 33 in December, is out of contract at the end of the season and has been overlooked by Blues boss Maurizio Sarri.
Cahill said: “I don’t want to jump the gun, but as things stand at this time, probably, yes (I’ll have to leave in January).
“For me to do this all season is going to be very difficult.
“I realise sometimes football doesn’t wait for people. Sometimes you have to make those decisions to keep going and progressing.
“Obviously the most important thing is the club. But I have to look at my situation. I have to take charge of my own future.
“And if I’m sat doing what I’m doing at this moment in time, I just hope that the club will respect that when it comes to the time.”
Cahill admits he can have few complaints as Chelsea have a 100% record this season. But he believes he is still capable of playing regularly.
“I’ve always been hungry to play football,” he said.
“I’m not a guy who is willing to accept not playing. Your career’s short enough as it is.
“I’m in great condition at the minute, I’ve not wasted my days, I’ve not wasted the time when I haven’t been playing.
“I’ve been training even harder, in the gym. I know I can play week-in, week-out, not a problem.
“I’ve got maximum respect for everybody here at the football club, for the fans and all the players.
“But sometimes you have to make tough decisions to keep your career going forward.”