diff --git a/sanic/server/protocols/http_protocol.py b/sanic/server/protocols/http_protocol.py
index 1eb692ecaf..4cc4c3f8ef 100644
--- a/sanic/server/protocols/http_protocol.py
+++ b/sanic/server/protocols/http_protocol.py
@@ -278,7 +278,7 @@ def close_if_idle(self) -> bool:
 
         :return: boolean - True if closed, false if staying open
         """
-        if self._http is None or self._http.stage is Stage.IDLE:
+        if self.http is None or self.http.stage is Stage.IDLE:
             self.close()
             return True
         return False