Ahead of their trip to Leeds United on Sunday, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed that midfielder will be out for “several weeks”.
The Blues head to Elland Road to take on Jesse Marsch’s Whites in a 2pm kickoff. Leeds and Chelsea are both unbeaten in their respective opening two Premier League matches.
The Whites ran out 2-1 winners at Wolves before drawing 2-2 with Southampton, despite leading 2-0 by the hour mark.
Meanwhile, the Blues beat Everton 1-0 in their opener, before also drawing 2-2 in their second game, at home to Tottenham.
“We are disappointed and sad”
In the latter match, Kante picked up a hamstring injury, and speaking at his press conference, Tuchel confirmed it was bad news.
Football.london quotes him as saying: “Quite serious. We’re talking about weeks. So not good news.
“We are disappointed and sad because N’Golo was super important and was super fit. He will be out for several weeks.”
Tuchel also confirmed that Armando Broja and Mateo Kovacic won’t feature against Leeds.
Meanwhile, Christian Pulisic could yet feature at Elland Road.
“Armando [Broja] will be out for days and cannot come with us to Leeds,” said the Blues boss.
“Mateo Kovacic as well, he’s still out with knee problems.
“Christian Pulisic had Achilles problems but he trained today. So let’s see [on him].”
“Looking better and better”
Meanwhile, Leeds boss Marsch confirmed that Luke Ayling and Junior Firpo are improving, but aren’t ready for Sunday’s game.
Leeds Live quotes him as saying: “Luke and Junior are really looking strong and getting better every day but not ready for Chelsea.
“We’ll see, I’d say maybe a week or two away, they’re looking better and better.
“Coops has been on the pitch, I think him and then Pat as well.
“But you know they’re a little bit day-to-day so we’ll have to see how that factors in for Chelsea.
“And then Joffy is back in training and ready to go. Stuart’s still coming along with his injury.”