Graham Potter has revealed his fears that N’Golo Kante has suffered yet another injury setback.
The Chelsea midfielder has endured a frustrating few months without playing since mid-August following a troublesome hamstring injury.
That appearance came in the 2-2 draw with Tottenham after starting the Blues’ first two Premier League games.
Potter had hoped Kante could be fit for Tuesday night’s Champions League clash with AC Milan at the San Siro, a clash live on talkSPORT, but that now looks unlikely.
Speaking at his press conference, Potter said: “N’Golo, we’re just waiting – he had a reaction in training so we’re waiting for news of that.
“It’s certainly not ideal and it’s disappointing for him and for us.
“We have to wait and see the extent of it and go from there.”
News of Kante’s latest injuries will only fuel uncertainty over his future at Stamford Bridge, with talkSPORT recently saying the Blues may have to consider letting him leave at the end of the season.
Since joining Chelsea in 2016, Kante has established himself as a key player for the west London side having racked up 262 appearances for the Blues.
But with his contract due to expire this summer and reports that the 31-year-old is seeking a four-year contract to sign new terms, former Chelsea defender Scott Minto thinks the time may be right for Kante to move on.
The former Blues ace said: “He’s 31, he’s a superb player and when he’s fit I still don’t think there’s anyone better.
“But one, he’s not always in good shape, and two, when you’re on the wrong side of 30, I don’t think you can ask for four-year contracts. You just can’t, you get at the better two years.
“So if he demands this and it’s this or nothing, then I think Chelsea have to let him go.”