Chelsea boss Graham Potter has delivered worrying news over three of their injured stars, who look set for longer spells on the sideline.
The Blues have suffered injuries to Reece James, Wesley Fofana and N'Golo Kante this season - which has contributed to their inconsistent start in the Premier League.
Potter is yet to have a full Chelsea squad at his disposal since taking charge last month and it seems that wait has been extended until beyond the Qatar World Cup.
In his press conference on Friday, Potter said: 'He's [James] is due to see a specialist over the weekend. Until we get that, there's not too much I can add.
'It would be speculation on my perspective. Let's wait and see. He felt not too bad yesterday but until you get these things checked, you never know.'
The Chelsea full-back limped off in the second half of Tuesday’s 2-0 win over AC Milan at the San Siro after jarring his right knee.
He will undergo final tests in the next 24 hours to determine the extent of the injury, but it is understood James wasn’t in any significant discomfort on Wednesday, a positive sign ahead of definitive scans.
Potter continued: 'He [Kante] is due to see a consultant at the weekend. It's a setback and it's not good news. But at this stage, I can't give you anything more.
Kante sustained the injury during Chelsea's draw with Tottenham in August but reports suggest he's a doubt for the World Cup having relapsed from his hamstring injury.
The Frenchman has had a troubled time with injuries this season - having only made two league appearances - and so finds his position at the club under threat, with just a year left on his contract.
On the injured Wesley Fofana, Potter said: 'He [Fofana] is progressing where he was. I don't think we'll see him before the World Cup.'
Fofana limped out of the Blues' 3-0 win over AC Milan last Wednesday and left Stamford Bright on crutches, fearing there could be a long lay-off for the centre-back.
The 21-year-old scored the opening goal - his first for the club - in Chelsea's midweek victory of the Serie A champions, but left the field just before the break clutching his knee and was replaced by Trevor Chalobah.
To this point, the injuries haven't hampered the Blues too much - given their four game win-streak that they extended with victory at the San Siro on Tuesday.
