Chelsea News: Paul Merson says Chelsea play like Arsenal when N'Golo Kante is missing

Chelsea are currently stuck in a rut after being thumped 3-0 by Serie A giants Roma in midweek.

The Blues face Manchester United on Sunday knowing a defeat to former manager Jose Mourinho will see them drop further out of the title race.

Chelsea have missed midfield maestro Kante in recent weeks, with the France international currently sidelined with a hamstring injury.

And Merson thinks that, without him, the Blues seem fragile in the middle of the park - just like Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal.

“The main thing that concerns me is if N'Golo Kante doesn't play they are like Arsenal without the ball,” he told Sky Sports.

“When Kante and Nemanja Matic played last season they just won it back so quickly. 

“I like Tiemoue Bakayoko but it is going to take him a lot of time to adapt and Cesc Fabregas is great for his passing and guile but he's a liability when they don't have the ball.

“I don't think they are title contenders and I think if they can get in the top four, win the FA Cup and get to the quarter-finals of the Champions League then that would represent a good season.

“From what I saw on Tuesday night they've got no chance of winning the Champions League though. 

“I thought they were excellent in beating Atletico Madrid but what has happened to them in the last few weeks has put that into perspective.”

Meanwhile, Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois reckons Kante’s absence has harmed the performances of Cesc Fabregas and Tiemoue Bakayoko.

“We know how important N’Golo is for us, he is the guy that brings a lot of balance into the team,” the Belgium international said. 

“But we can’t push him to play if he doesn’t feel ready. 

“Danny [Drinkwater] was also out for a long time as well. 

“It means Tiemoue Bakayoko and Cesc Fabregas have played a lot of games in midfield and obviously that goes into their legs and it is harder for them to keep up the pressure, especially against the midfield three like Roma had.”