Chelsea manager Graham Potter has admitted that N'Golo Kante's history of injuries has been a concern since his arrival at the club.
The 31-year-old is largely expected to miss France’s World Cup campaign in Qatar this winter in addition to sitting out Chelsea’s busy schedule leading up to the tournament, having suffered a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury that has kept him out since mid-August.
Kante’s issue is the latest in a succession of injury problems that feel increasingly chronic for the Blues’ star midfielder.
“Historically, there are things which have happened which are a concern and we need to get the bottom of that,” Potter told reporters at Cobham on Friday.
"It’s a setback in the last stage of his rehab so again that’s worrying. But all we can do is get the right diagnosis, the right consultation and then try and help him get back to full fitness and enjoying his football.
"He’s due to see a consultant at the weekend. It’s a setback so it’s not good news. But anything other than that, at this stage I can’t give you any more."
Potter went on to reveal that Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana will likely also be out of action until after the World Cup. There are also growing concerns around Reece James, whose knee injury is worse than first feared as the club weigh up surgery that could also rule him out of Qatar.
Meanwhile, Kepa Arrizabalaga is the only player to have completed every minute under Potter since he replaced Thomas Tuchel last month.
The world's most expensive goalkeeper initially came in due to a minor injury to regular no1 Edouard Mendy and Potter has been impressed with the lack of tension since his big decision.
“He’s [Mendy] been great, attitude fantastic, and supporting the team," he added. "He was obviously injured when I arrived and Kepa has played, done well and contributed to positive results.
"We’re in the situation now where we have two really good goalkeepers in the competition and that is what we need to push each other along.”
