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Cape Town - Chelsea coach Maurizio Sarri admits Gary Cahill could leave Stamford Bridge next month as he lacks the technical ability to fit into the Italian's plans.
The 32-year-old centre-back finds himself out of favour under Sarri, who has relied heavily on Antonio Rudiger and David Luiz during the first six months of his tenure in west London.
Cahill has made just one appearance in the Premier League this season, as a substitute against West Ham on September 23, and his Blues career could be coming to an end as he approaches the final six months of his contract.
The England international has been linked with a move to city rivals Arsenal in the New Year, with Sarri acknowledging he may be better served by searching for regular game time elsewhere.
"I respect him very much because he has won everything with this club," the 59-year-old said. "I have to do my job. Every match, I have to choose. For me, he is not able to [be] on the bench.
"Maybe he is the best in the box, but our defenders may play 100 or 110 balls in a match, so I need very technical defenders."
Commenting on the exit rumours, Sarri added: "It is not my decision, but it is up to him and the club.
"He is in the last year of the contract. He has to decide for a new contract here or another club.
"For the over-30 [players] the club usually offers only one-year contracts. If he has an offer of three years, he can of course choose something [a transfer away from Chelsea]. It doesn't depend if I am sentimental or not."
