Chelsea boss Antonio Conte could turn to youngsters Ethan Ampadu and Kyle Scott after revealing midfielder N'Golo Kante may miss up to seven games with a hamstring injury

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Antonio Conte has revealed he could turn to youngsters Ethan Ampadu and Kyle Scott after N'Golo Kante was ruled out for up to seven games with a hamstring injury.

The Chelsea boss has admitted the loss of Kante, who was injured on international duty with France, was a 'big problem' with a host of important games coming up.

But Conte is ready to hand Chelsea's talented kids a chance to impress with Cesc Fabregas and Tiemoue Bakayoko the only recognised central midfielders available. 

Antonio Conte says N'Golo Kante's injury is a 'big problem' ahead of the Crystal Palace game

The Chelsea boss could turn to Ethan Ampadu (left) or Kyle Scott (right) in Kante's absence

N'Golo Kante is helped off the pitch by France's doctor after damaging his hamstring last week

Ampadu, who is still just 17, was called up to Chris Coleman's latest Wales squad despite only making his Blues debut in the Carabao Cup win over Nottingham Forest in September, while 19-year-old Scott is yet to play for the first-team.

'We have to approach seven games in this month and we need to find a solution – adapt some defenders or give some younger players an opportunity like Scott or Ampadu,' Conte said in his press conference ahead of Saturday's trip to Crystal Palace.

'We have to approach these next seven games without Kante and [Danny] Drinkwater.

'We have Fabregas and Bakayoko and our young players like Kyle Scott and Ethan Ampadu, we have to find a solution.' 

Asked about those injured for the visit to Selhurst Park, Conte revealed the extent of Kante's injury but added more promising news on striker Alvaro Morata, who suffered a hamstring problem against Manchester City before the international break.

Kante remained with the France squad but he could now miss up to seven games for Chelsea

Alvaro Morata, pictured celebrating against Stoke, could return from injury against Roma

Danny Drinkwater has suffered with a calf problem since joining the club from Leicester City

'Bad news. As you know very well we have three injured players,' Conte said.

'[Alvaro] Morata - I hope to have him back very soon, I hope for the next game against Roma.

'[Danny] Drinkwater is progressing well but is not ready yet. We must have patience with him and his calf problem. 

'Kante, we are going to do a scan next week to check his situation, if he is improving. But for sure it's a hamstring problem and this is a big loss for us. 

'You know very well the importance of Kante in our team. We don't have another player with the same characteristics. We only have [Tiemoue] Bakayoko and [Cesc] Fabregas available. 

Conte speaks to the media ahead of Saturday's Premier League visit to Crystal Palace

Expanding on the results of Kante's initial scan, Conte added: 'Previous scan - maybe 20, 25 days (out injured). 

'As you know very well in this situation you must pay great attention. For this reason we are going to do another scan in one week. 

'It's a big loss and a big problem for us. We have to approach these seven games without Kante and Drinkwater. 

'We have Fabregas and Bakayoko but it will be very difficult to play with them for seven games in a row. We have to hope for no injuries in these games.'