Head coach Graham Potter has revealed that there is currently no timeframe on N'Golo Kante's return from a hamstring injury after the Chelsea midfielder suffered a setback in training.
Kante has been out of contention since sustaining the issue during the closing stages of the 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur on August 14.
The France international was initially expected to return after the international break, and he appeared on track to achieve that goal when he featured on the training pitch ahead of the resumption of action on October 1.
However, the World Cup winner failed to feature in the squads for the games with Crystal Palace, AC Milan and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Although Potter is unlikely to have thrown the 31-year-old back into action for the reverse fixture with Milan at San Siro on Tuesday night, the player was a notable absentee from training before the squad travelled to Italy.
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Addressing the media at a press conference, Potter admitted that Kante had sustained "a reaction" in training, casting doubt on his eventual return date.
Speaking to reporters, Potter said: "N'Golo we are waiting on. He had a reaction in training, so we are just waiting for the news on that."
"It is certainly not ideal. Disappointing for him and us, so we have to wait and see the extent of it, and then go from there."
While Kante has endured a series of fitness issues during his time at Stamford Bridge, he has still managed to make 90 appearances over the past two seasons.
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However, achieving that level of game time during 2022-23 appears increasingly unlikely with Potter currently blessed with a wide array of options in that area of the pitch.
Nevertheless, Chelsea do not have a free midweek up to and including November 12, providing Kante with opportunities to make his return to the World Cup if he is able to shake off his latest issue.
News of Kante's continued absence comes at a time when he has less than a year remaining on his contract with the West Londoners.
A recent report suggested that the Chelsea hierarchy currently have no intention of extending the former Leicester City man's deal at the club.
Darren Plant
