Chelsea have been dealt a major blow after N'Golo Kante was substituted with a thigh injury in Friday's 1-0 win over Bulgaria.
Kante hobbled from the field in the 34th minute as Les Bleus stayed top of their World Cup qualifying group with a game to play.
Didier Deschamps's side need victory against Belarus at the Stade De France on Tuesday to be sure of a place at the World Cup, but they will have to do so without Kante.
"It’s a muscular problem behind the thigh," Deschamps said after the match. “He will not be there Tuesday."
Adrien Rabiot replaced Kante as France saw out the 1-0 victory following Blaise Matuidi's third-minute goal.
Deschamps added: "Kante and Rabiot pretty much swapped. You need balance. Kante has a very important role.
"Rabiot can play that role, but the output of N’Golo may have destabilised the team – though that doesn’t take anything away from Adrien."
The news will frustrate Antonio Conte as he prepares to take his side to Crystal Palace after the international break.
The Blues will be looking to bounce from defeat against Manchester City when they head to Selhurst Park and Kante's injury could see Danny Drinkwater make his Chelsea debut.
