Ampadu, Christensen to benefit from Cahill’s sale says Sarri

Former European champions Chelsea have said they are not in the market for a defender according to the head coach Maurizio Sarri who has dismissed the idea of buying a defender to replace club captain Gary Cahill.

The defender is expected to leave the Blues in this winter transfer window after losing his place in the squad since the advent of the former Napoli boss at the team.

Sarri has frequently paired Antonio Rudiger and David Luiz together at center-back since he took charge with 22-year-old Andreas Christensen having fallen down the pecking order following the departure of Antonio Conte, and Ethan Ampadu granted games in cup competitions.

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Now that Sarri has ruled out the signing of a defender to take the place of Cahill in his squad, the two youngsters stand in good stead to take on the extra responsibilities as cover at the back.

Though Christensen has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge in recent months, Sarri has insisted that he will not let the Dane who made 40 appearances in all competitions following his return from a two-year loan spell at Borussia Monchengladbach leave this January.

While Ampadu will also benefit from Cahill’s departure if the English international eventually leaves the club.

Christensen was also selected to start the game at centre-back.