Chelsea assistant manager Gianfranco Zola has insisted that Gary Cahill must remain patient in order to receive opportunities.
The two-time Premier League winner has found himself on the fringes of the Chelsea squad under Maurizio Sarri and has made just one cameo appearance against West Ham last Sunday.
The defender did not even made the matchday squads for the opening five Premier League games and has openly voiced his concerns over his lack of playing time this term.
Cahill has demanded that Chelsea respect his contribution at the club and allow him to leave during the January transfer window.
The defender could start against Liverpool in the EFL Cup on Wednesday night, but Zola admits that he understands the Englishman’s frustrations over the amount of football he has played.
However, he wants Cahill to remain patient and wait for his opportunities, but conceded that the final call on his future will be taken by the player himself.
Zola said in a press conference: “Whether he plays tomorrow it won’t affect his future.
“It is understandable he is upset and we want him to be upset.
"He is a top professional, he has to be patient and he will have his chances.
“But then it is down to him.”
Cahill has won two Premier League titles and a Champions League crown during his 348 appearances for Chelsea.
