Terry, 36, has made only nine appearances this season and played just six minutes of Premier League football since mid-September.
The Chelsea captain is out of contract in the summer and Desailly believes it's the perfect opportunity for him to make way.
Blues boss Antonio Conte has favoured experienced trio Gary Cahill, Cesar Azpilicueta and David Luiz in his back three this term, with youngsters Kurt Zouma and Nathan Ake ready to make the step up.
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John Terry urged to leave Chelsea
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Marcel Desailly left Chelsea 13 years ago under similar circumstances
Desailly, 48, left Chelsea 13 years ago because there were faster defenders available, and the Frenchman believes Terry's situation is similar.
"I left because they were faster than me, better than me and it was my time to go – their time to shine – and now it’s his time," Desailly told the Daily Mail.
"It’s great to see that he’s been able to handle it. You are the captain, you have been put to the side a bit because other players are more suited for the tactics required, but you’re still present, you are still focused.
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"You remind one of the players when he’s not training well “Oh, what are you doing?” so these are the small important details that John is going over.
"I’m happy because it’s a different phase for John – leader as a first-choice but also leader as a second-choice.
"He’s there to boost and to be present in the group so it’s a different approach of John."
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