Andreas Christensen Not Happy with Chelsea Role, but January Exit Is Unlikely

Out-of-favour Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen has said he's unlikely to leave Stamford Bridge in January despite the fact he's unhappy with his situation under manager Maurizio Sarri. 

Christensen, 22, is yet to make a Premier League appearance since Sarri took over, a sharp decline from the 40 total appearances he made under Antonio Conte last season.

He admitted to Sky Sports News that he's not content, and when asked if he envisioned a future away from Chelsea, he replied:

"Difficult question. No, I don't think so. 

"Things are different from last season. I played a lot of games [last season] but this season it hasn't been like that. It's always difficult for a player but we'll see what happens.

"If you asked every player that's not playing if they're happy, they're going to say no. Everyone wants to play."

It's not a feeling with which Christensen is unfamiliar. He was signed to the academy from Brondby in 2012 and quickly excelled for the youth sides, but he was frustrated in his lack of first-team opportunities—until a two-year loan at Borussia Monchengladbach helped him develop.

David Luiz and Antonio Rudiger have formed Sarri's centre-back pairing of choice since his arrival in west London, and Cesar Azpilicueta has moved back to full-back.

Christensen and his father, Sten—who also serves as his agent—have long been up front regarding their intentions at Chelsea, and journalist Simon Johnson recently quoted the latter, who is open to his son leaving:

Gary Cahill has made one Premier League appearance this season, although his deal expires in the summer.

Christensen added:

"I can't do anything else but go back there, train and do my best. Every time I get that opportunity, I have to do well and show him that he can count on me.

"You don't want to sit around and wait for it. You want to play straight away and that's why we all play football.

"Not playing is not fun. It's a different situation to last season."

Ethan Ampadu, 18, is another promising player among the Chelsea back line, although Goal's Nizaar Kinsella reported a loan could be sanctioned in January. Author Mark Worrall supported that option:

Ampadu's temporary departure would at least relieve some of the competition for places at Chelsea, particularly after they switched back to the four-man defence used prior to Sarri's arrival.

Christensen is unfortunate to be competing against such high-quality figures as Rudiger and Luiz, two international stalwarts who have won the Confederations Cup with Germany and Brazil in 2017 and 2013, respectively.

After getting a taste of senior action with Gladbach and thriving with Conte at the helm last term, it's not surprising the young Dane—who already has 22 senior caps to his name—wants more.

Christensen may be young, but he's taken a mature response to his lack of prominence with the Blues and appears more than willing to consider an exit, though it's unlikely it will materialise before the end of the season.