Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante will miss the World Cup with a hamstring injury he suffered in training, which is expected to rule him out for around three months.
Chelsea manager Graham Potter described Kante’s latest injury setback as “not being good news” and it is understood there is no chance of the 31-year-old midfielder recovering in time to feature at the tournament for reigning champions France.
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Kante has been absent since he sustained an injury in a Premier League draw with Tottenham Hotspur on August 14, although he recently returned to first-team training.
But the midfielder, whose contract expires in the summer of 2023, suffered a fresh injury setback in training and is set for an extended period on the sidelines.
Potter commented on Friday that Kante will see a consultant this weekend to advise the club on the severity of the injury.
Potter said: “‘He’s due to see a consultant at the weekend. It’s a setback, it’s not good news, but I can’t give you anything more at this stage.
“Historically there are things which have happened which is a concern, so we need to get to the bottom of that.
“It’s a setback at this stage of this rehab which is worrying, but all we can do is get the right diagnosis, get the right consultation, and try and help him get back to full fitness and enjoying his football.”
Kante has been a vital first-team player for Chelsea since his move from Leicester City in 2016, but he has been restricted to just two appearances in all competitions this season.
He is equally important for France, having made 53 appearances for his nation, and his absence at Qatar will come as a significant blow to the reigning world champions.
Chelsea declined to comment, pending the player seeing a specialist.
(Photo: Getty Images)
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