Chelsea news: N’Golo Kante could miss next FIVE games through leg injury

N’GOLO KANTE has returned to Chelsea after picking up a leg injury on international duty with France.

Chelsea star N’Golo Kante forced off with injury

Kante featured in France’s World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria on Saturday but was taken off after just 34 minutes when he clutched his hamstring.

France coach Didier Deschamps confirmed the injury after the game at the weekend and a scan revealed he had suffered a tear in his left thigh.

It will come as a huge blow to Antonio Conte who already lost Alvaro Morata to injury during the 1-0 defeat to Manchester City before the international break.

The Spain international is expected to begin running at Chelsea this week but he will not feature against Crystal Palace this Saturday.

But the reigning Premier League champions are hopeful he could return for the Champions League fixture against Roma a week on Wednesday.

However, Kante looks set for a longer spell on the sidelines with Goal claiming he is likely to be out of action for three weeks.

That would mean the 26-year-old would miss Premier League matches against Palace, Watford and Bournemouth as well as a Champions League match against Roma and their last-16 Carabao Cup tie against Everton.

N'Golo KanteGETTY

N'Golo Kante could be set to miss Chelsea's next five games

N'Golo Kante limped off in France's World Cup qualifier against BulgariaGETTY

N'Golo Kante limped off in France's World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria

Kante’s absence would likely mean Antonio Conte turns to Cesc Fabregas and Tiemoue Bakayoko in his central midfield positions.

Danny Drinkwater, who is yet to make his debut for Chelsea since his summer move from Leicester, could also be in contention after recovering from a calf problem.

Kante missed just six of Chelsea’s 47 games last season as he went on to win the PFA Players’ Player of the Year.

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