Taken off in the second half of Chelsea's 1-1 draw with Manchester United, Antonio Rudiger was probably brought back too soon by Maurizio Sarri following the recent injury he picked up versus Liverpool.

With so much at stake for the Blues, though, you cannot blame Sarri for rushing back arguably his most in-form central defender.

The 26-year-old, however, could now miss his side's last two Premier League games of the season, giving Andreas Christensen the chance to make a real impression ahead of the next campaign.

The Denmark international has been a bit-part player this term and, when he has featured, he has struggled at times.

Since making that costly error against Barcelona in the Champions League last year, Christensen has lost his way and has not come close to breaking into Sarri's starting XI.

That being said, that could so easily change next season. Despite his struggles, in terms of ability, Christensen might just be the best centre-back Chelsea have in their squad presently -- and the 23-year-old now has a great opportunity to show just that.

Compared to David Luiz, Christensen is the more intelligent defender, knowing when to step up to try and win the ball and when to hold his position.

Additionally, the Chelsea academy graduate does not give away as many needless fouls as the Brazilian and Rudiger, the sort of needless fouls that have cost Chelsea time and again this season.

Ultimately, with crunch games coming up in both the Europa League and Premier League, Christensen has the chance to really impose himself and give Sarri something to think about going forward.

Chelsea fans, do you think Christensen can become a first-team regular at Stamford Bridge under Sarri? Join the discussion by commenting below.