Denis Zakaria has claimed that he needs to "improve some things" if he is to break into the Chelsea starting lineup on a regular basis.
Thomas Tuchel moved to sign the Switzerland international on loan from Juventus during the final hours of the summer transfer window, only to lose his role at Stamford Bridge a week later.
Since then, Zakaira has barely featured under Graham Potter, the 26-year-old still yet to play a single minute of Premier League football despite Chelsea's struggles in that competition.
Instead, Zakaria has had to make do with a start in a Champions League fixture with Dinamo Zagreb and an EFL Cup tie at Manchester City.
To his credit, Zakaria made a positive impression in each match, netting a goal on his Blues debut, but he was not used off the substitutes' bench versus Newcastle United last time out.
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However, ahead of the resumption of competitive action for Chelsea against Bournemouth on December 27, Zakaria has hinted that he remains responsible for trying to convince Potter of his qualities in the centre of the pitch.
Speaking to the media, as quoted by GOAL, Zakaria said: "I'm still positive about it all, and then I'll see what will happen. I still need to improve some things and show the coach what I can.
"When I get to play, I have to show that I am good. It has not been enough so far, but I work hard to get my chance in this big club."
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While Chelsea possess an option to sign Zakaria on a permanent basis in the summer, that clause being activated looks unlikely while he remains on the periphery of Potter's plans.
Despite his lack of club action, Zakaria was still selected for the Switzerland squad for the World Cup, which concluded on Sunday as Argentina dramatically edged out France to win the Jules Rimet Trophy.
Zakaria made two substitute appearances in Qatar, featuring for 21 minutes versus Serbia in the group stages and 36 minutes during the 6-1 defeat to Portugal in the last 16.
With the latter fixture having taken place on December 6, Zakaria is already back at Chelsea ahead of their Christmas and New Year schedule.
Darren Plant
