N'Golo Kante will not be going to the World Cup in Qatar in November after Graham Potter has delivered a worrying update on the Chelsea star.
The midfielder who lifted the World Cup in 2018 with his national team will not be a part of the squad for Qatar.
It has been a challenging start to the 2022/23 campaign for the Blues ace with injury problems hampering his playing time.
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Kante has played just twice this season, these were the opening two matches in the Premier League this year.
Chelsea hosted Tottenham Hotspur in the second game of the season and in a 2-2 draw Kante hobbled off with a hamstring injury in the closing moments.
While manager at the time, Thomas Tuchel, shared that he would miss at least four weeks, he has now been out for two months.
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The Blues travelled to Italy in midweek, and Kante was left behind with Hakim Ziyech and Wesley Fofana, who picked up an injury in the home fixture against AC Milan.
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Kante's injury has certainly been a blow to the side, early on in the season Mateo Kovacic was also suffering with an injury so there were a limited number of options in midfield.
For Chelsea, it does not look as though Kante will be back anytime soon. He suffered a setback in training and will reportedly be off the pitch for three months.
As reported by L'Equipe, this means the 31-year-old will not be heading to the World Cup.
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New head coach at Chelsea, Potter has also delivered an update on Kante.
He said: "He's due to see a consultant at the weekend. It's a setback, it's not good news. I can't give you anymore."
Potter continued: "Historically, there are things that have happened which are a concern. It's a setback in the last stage of his rehab which is worrying.
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"We have to try get him back to full fitness and enjoying his football."
This report from the 47-year-old is very concerning. The west London side will be hopeful of getting their star midfielder fit and ready as soon as they can after the World Cup.
Kante can play a huge role in the big games for the Blues, he has displayed so many times in the decisive matches he can perform to the highest level.
Topics: Chelsea, NGolo Kante, Graham Potter, Football
Sam Collins