Antonio Conte has hinted N'Golo Kante will be ready to return for Chelsea next week in their Champions League game with Roma but warns they must be careful with the France international.
The reigning PFA Player of the Year picked up a hamstring injury on October 7 whilst playing for Les Bleus but has recovered quickly with Conte observing positive signs in training.
Whilst Conte has revealed that Kante is progressing well, he is wary of rushing him back, which suggests he is unlikely to risk him in Saturday's game with Bournemouth.
"Kante is progressing well," revealed Conte. "I’m very happy. I saw him in a good physical condition.
"For sure in this moment, we have to keep calm and find the right moment to utilise him and put him in the team.
"Now it will be very easy to tell him play because I’m seeing you very well. [But] we must pay attention to find the best solution for him. He’s great."
Conte had more positive news following Antonio Rudiger and Willian's goals in the 2-1 victory over Everton in the Carabao Cup as Danny Drinkwater made his debut.
The £34m signing from Leicester lasted 62 minutes before making way and Conte admits his return gives him the option to select three centre-midfielders.
"We will have three games before the international break," Conte explained. "To see him fit, 100 percent, maybe after the international break.
"Now I can count on him for a part of the game. If I decide to play with three midfielders - it’s very important."