Cesc Fabregas’s future at Chelsea is unlikely to be addressed until the New Year, according to reports.

The Spaniard, who is out of contract at the end of the current season, has fallen from grace under Maurizio Sarri and, as a result, has been limited to cup appearances for the Blues.

Despite his initial hopes of earning a new contract at Stamford Bridge, the Evening Standard is reporting that the 31-year-old, one of Chelsea’s highest-paid players, remains in the dark over his future.

Chelsea vs Derby - player ratings Show all 22 1 /22 Chelsea vs Derby - player ratings Chelsea vs Derby - player ratings Willy Caballero - 7 He could do very little to stop the two goals but made some amazing saves in the second half to keep Chelsea in front. Action Images via Reuters Chelsea vs Derby - player ratings Davide Zappacosta - 9 He was superb on the right wing. His crosses caused so many problems for the centre backs and led to two goals. He was quick on the overlap and as good an attacking presence as the front men Getty Images Chelsea vs Derby - player ratings Gary Cahill - 5 He made some elementary mistakes that a player of his experience won’t be forgiven for, they resulted in the first equaliser for Derby. Action Images via Reuters Chelsea vs Derby - player ratings Andreas Christensen - 6 Was replaced by David Luiz after 65 minutes and that was his biggest impact on the game. PA Chelsea vs Derby - player ratings Emerson Palmieri - 5 Panicked at the back when Derby pressed high and fast resulting in wayward passes and allowed Waghorn to get past him on a couple of occasions. AFP/Getty Images Chelsea vs Derby - player ratings N'Golo Kante - 7 The man was surely made in a laboratory, he is unflappable and commands a presence wherever he is on the pitch. Brilliantly competent if not spectacular. Action Images via Reuters Chelsea vs Derby - player ratings Cesc Fabregas - 8 Scored Chelsea’s first proper goal and found his feet in the match as it went on, setting the play that resulted in his goal into motion with a glorious pass into the box. Getty Images Chelsea vs Derby - player ratings Mateo Kovacic - 6 He had a relatively quiet night, made some chances, made some mistakes but probably had fun. Action Images via Reuters Chelsea vs Derby - player ratings Ruben Loftus-Cheek - 7 Someone get him a McDonald’s because he was hungry all night. He ran his socks off trying to get a goal and was a crucial component in the second and third goals for Chelsea. PA Chelsea vs Derby - player ratings Alvaro Morata - 6 Linked well with Willian to create space and chances in and around the box but when his turn came he missed out. Getty Images Chelsea vs Derby - player ratings Willian - 7 Shots, shots and more shots. Unlucky not to get on the scoresheet. AFP/Getty Images Chelsea vs Derby - player ratings Scott Carson - 6 Conceded three goals, couldn’t save any of them. It was just one of them games. Action Images Chelsea vs Derby - player ratings Jayden Bogle - 7 He should apply to the government, he was strong and stable at right back in a defence that was bullied on the left-hand side. AFP/Getty Images Chelsea vs Derby - player ratings Richard Keogh - 5 He made a poor effort at clearing a relatively easy cross and gave away an own goal but gave Derby lots of attacking options in the final 10 minutes. Action Images via Reuters Chelsea vs Derby - player ratings Fikayo Tomori - 4 Scored an own goal because he missed the ball with his left foot, Zappacosta had the Derby centre-backs in his back pocket. Getty Images Chelsea vs Derby - player ratings Scott Malone - 5 Had a terrible time of things when defending, Chelsea attacked the left side with serious vigour and serious success. He did however contribute to the second equaliser as he combined with Lawrence and Mount to get the ball into the box. Action Images via Reuters Chelsea vs Derby - player ratings Martyn Waghorn - 8 Missed a great chance to put Derby in front at 1-1 but recovered to score the second equaliser. AFP/Getty Images Chelsea vs Derby - player ratings Harry Wilson - 6 Ran around the entire pitch giving it his all in attack and defence. An admirable and workmanlike quality. Action Images via Reuters Chelsea vs Derby - player ratings Tom Huddlestone - 7 Made a big play in midfield winning the ball after a wayward pass from Cahill and he made him pay sending Marriott in behind the defence to score the first goal for Derby. AFP/Getty Images Chelsea vs Derby - player ratings Mason Mount - 7 Played a perfectly timed and weighted ball into Waghorn for Derby’s second goal and caused problems when going forward. Getty Images Chelsea vs Derby - player ratings Tom Lawrence - 6 Linked well on the left wing with Malone and Mount to set up the second goal for Derby. Action Images via Reuters Chelsea vs Derby - player ratings Jack Marriott - 8 Scored Derby’s first goal with a quality finish. AFP/Getty Images

It’s believed talks with the club have yet to take place, with the issue set to be addressed in the New Year.

The midfielder’s current £160,000-a-week wage is likely to prove a sticking point. Any hope of staying at the club may rest on agreeing to a significant pay cut.

Fabregas himself has said he is in no rush to dive into any contract discussions at Chelsea.

“I still believe in myself a lot and think I can add so much to this team,” he said after Chelsea’s 3-2 win over Derby in the Carabao Cup.

“Let’s see what happens but I am happy here.

“In life, not just football, timing is the most important thing. You don’t have to rush decisions, you don’t have to talk before things happen. At the moment I am playing once a week.