Gary Cahill admits he may have to leave Chelsea in January as it will be “very difficult” for his current situation on the sidelines to continue.

Defender Cahill opened up in a candid and passionate interview after being left on the bench for Chelsea ’s Europa League opener against PAOK Salonika.

Blues stalwart Cahill has yet to kick a ball this season after falling behind David Luiz, Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen in new boss Maurizio Sarri’s centre-back pecking order.

Cahill was keen to stress he understands why having returned later than his defensive rivals after the World Cup and with Chelsea flying.

But, having been a regular for most of his Chelsea career and won it all since joining in January 2012, that understanding hasn’t made being out of favour any easier to take.

(Image: Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

Cahill, 32, said: “I don't want to jump the gun but as things stand at this time, probably, yes [I might have to leave in January].

“Whatever my future holds, in terms of the club, and the relationship I have with the club and the fans, it will have been a huge part of my footballing life. I've got maximum respect for everybody here.

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“I realise that sometimes you have to make tough decisions and football doesn't wait for people.

“Sometimes you have to make those decisions to keep going and progressing.

“First of all the team's doing well which is the most important thing. Having been a big part of things for six years, seven years and played a huge part, not just a squad player, I'm definitely finding it difficult this year to deal with that situation.

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“I haven't spoken to the manager [about the situation] yet. I think we will speak soon, just to see where everything is and how the land lies.

“The most important thing here is the team, but I've got to look at my situation and my future as well.

“I came back a week before the season started against three defenders who'd been back plenty of time before me.

“Whether that would have changed anything, who knows? It was the latest I've ever been back.

(Image: Daily Mirror)

"So to go under a new manager, learn a new way of defending and new ideas that he has I am sure he didn't feel comfortable in putting me in and not knowing that a week before the games so I fully expected to miss the start of the season and we've not lost.

"So there's no arguments from my point of view, hence why I've not seen him. When you're winning games you have to sit tight and suck it up and deal with it. For me to do this all season is going to be very difficult.

“Everything gradually comes to an end or there's a new challenge around the corner. I've been here for six years and won six titles.

“I wore the captain's armband the majority of the season when we won the Premier League the year before last.

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“I wore the captain's armband last year when we won the FA Cup. I'm proud of my career, of what I've done here and what I've achieved in such a short space of time. For someone to come and do exactly the same [as I've done] in six years... I'd like to see how long that would take. I'm proud of that.

“I've always been hungry to play football. I'm not a guy who is willing to accept not playing. It's all about playing. Your career's short enough as it is.”

Cahill's contract expires next summer and he likened his situation to former Blues keeper Petr Cech, who was squeezed out following Thibaut Courtois arrival.

Eventually Cech was rewarded for his service and conduct by being allowed to join who he wanted and opted for Chelsea's London rivals Arsenal .

Cahill continued: “With Pete they saw he wasn't getting the game time he would've liked and they rewarded his professionalism and his attitude, and the way I feel I've conducted myself throughout the time I've been here and represented the club and also the way I'm being now in a difficult moment for myself.

"I'm sure that'll be fine and we'll speak from now until Christmas.

(Image: Catherine Ivill)

“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'm not in a situation where I'm going to be coming up to 36.

“I've been training even harder, in the gym. I'm in great condition. I know I can play week-in, week-out, not a problem.

“I saw that in Petr. He could easily have played any moment. He just wanted to push himself to go and continue playing week-in, week-out. That's why I used that as an example. I feel I'm in a similar situation.

“If it wasn't to continue here, I'd relish that challenge to go and play.

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“I feel I spoke honestly there. There's not much more I can say. 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.”