Chelsea have been dealt an injury blow after N'Golo Kante was forced to pull out of France's Euro 2020 qualifier against Iceland on Friday night.
Kante had been due to start the clash but picked up a muscle injury, believed to be a hamstring problem, during the warm-up.
The problem was serious enough for the midfielder to be replaced by Moussa Sissoko in the starting line-up, which could now leave Chelsea boss Frank Lampard with a defensive headache.
Kante has already missed several games this season after suffering a knee injury in the opening day defeat to Manchester United but recently returned to full fitness.
Since his comeback, the 28-year-old has been in fine form, scoring a stunning goal in the 2-1 defeat to Liverpool before finding the back of the net against Southampton.
The midfielder has operated in a box-to-box role after forming an exciting trio in Chelsea's engine room alongside Jorginho and Mason Mount.
However, his latest injury problem means he now faces a race to be fit for the club's next fixture; a home clash against Newcastle United on October 19th.
If he isn't fit, Lampard could replace him with Ross Barkley or Mateo Kovacic, who were both named on the bench for last weekend's 4-1 win at Southampton.
Classic_Dimple_Bwuoy
933
This is why lampard called Deschamps and told to not choose kante and drop him but Deschamps denied
Don_Baba
649
Deschamp deliberately called up Kante to upset Lampard. He knows he's not fit at all, he just want to hurt Lampard for not playing Giroud.
Mesballer
275
Lampard right now.....
Akechandy
186
π₯π«π«π₯ One of a kind πππ may you come back stronger.
Kewaekntz
78
Deschamps was looking for this....knowing that Kante was not fully recovered from his last injuries, he (Coach) called him up for the match which is so unfair..the coach should have let Kante rest for until he's fit....might be this guy (Deschamps) doesn't want to see the Lampard's Chelsea shining..Kante is a backbone for Chelsea.
TaslimAlamat
77
No problem Kante, come on kante u definitely feet early
survivalgh111
63
Deschamp is a disgrace he was told not to include kante in his squad but he refused to let him(kante) rest,now look what has happened shame on him(Deschamp)
GeebabaGodfrey
56
Our physios and medical staff need to beam a searchlight on Kante, his series injuries this season calls for concern. I hope he is not being overworked & overloaded during training sessions?...
Blue_Messiah
55
dang, I hope he recovers really soon. this season didn't allow him to start off well, he must be given the rest and recovery time he requires.
Yuaablmst
47
this is wat Deschamps want, because he clearly says that hence lampard call him not to select kante, den he should be playing Giroud
WaldrysNixon
42
As strange and bad this news may be. The fact is at the moment I trust my club. Look we have Covacic who have been excellent for all the talk of other player, Cova has been playing ball. If it wasn't Kante, the guy would be playing week in week out. So it's all good on that position
Original_Hybrid
40
Deschamp is to blame he was told not to include Kante on his squad but he played political part on football. Shame on him