Chelsea boss Graham Potter has said that addressing N'Golo Kante's contract situation is not currently a priority, with the club instead focusing on helping him return to full fitness.
The France international recently underwent surgery on a recurring hamstring problem, meaning that he will be absent for the 2022 World Cup.
The recovery process is likely to take in the region of four months, which will take him well into 2023, and there remains widespread uncertainty surrounding his future at Stamford Bridge.
The experienced midfielder's current deal with the Blues is due to expire next June, and a number of clubs, including Barcelona, are believed to be keeping a close eye on the situation.
A recent report claimed that Chelsea had decided against handing Kante a new deal, which will allow him to leave the capital giants on a free transfer next summer.
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Potter, speaking ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with Manchester United, insisted that "the focus" at this moment was to help Kante "get fit".
The club's head coach has therefore suggested that talks over a possible new deal will not begin until he has returned to the field.
"The most important thing for us and for me is that we help him get fit. That's the focus," Potter told reporters during his pre-match press conference.
"He's got a long road ahead of him so we have to make sure that we get him the right treatment, we help him get back fit and strong, and once he's enjoying his football we can think about those things then."
Kante has only made two appearances for Chelsea during the 2022-23 campaign, with his last outing against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on August 14.
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Potter was also asked about Cristiano Ronaldo's absence on Saturday, with the Portugal international being dropped by Man United after refusing to come on against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night.
"I can't really comment because I don't know the ins and outs but he's taken his stance. Sometimes you have to do that and then you need the club to support. So on the outside that's what's happened," said the Chelsea head coach.
"It's difficult for me to comment because I don't know the actual context, I don't know what's really happened. I don't want to go off headlines and things like that. Part of the job is to take decisions that are difficult but that's normal."
Chelsea saw a five-game winning run come to an end on Wednesday evening when they were held to a goalless draw by Brentford in the Premier League.
A total of 20 points from 10 matches has left the Blues in fourth position in the table, one point ahead of fifth-placed Man United, with the two teams preparing to lock horns in Saturday's late start.
Matt Law
