Chelsea injury news: Hammer blow as Potter reveals top midfielder has suffered setback over planned return

N’Golo Kante has suffered a new setback in his battle to shake off his latest hamstring injury and faces a longer spell on the sidelines.

The France World Cup winner did not travel to Italy for Chelsea’s Champions League clash with AC Milan on Tuesday evening.

Kante stayed in London on Monday after suffering an issue in training. That left the 31-year-old to sweat again on the results of scans.

Kante has been out of action since suffering a hamstring injury in Chelsea’s 2-2 Premier League draw with Tottenham on August 14.

“N’Golo we’re just waiting on, he had a reaction in training,” said Blues boss Graham Potter. “So we’re just waiting for the news of that.

“It’s not ideal. It’s disappointing for him and us. But we have to wait and see the extent of it, and go from there.”

A recent report suggested that Chelsea have delayed contract talks with the experienced midfielder due to his injury issues.

Kante is currently in his seventh season with the Blues after joining from Leicester City in the summer of 2016.

However, his number of starts have been in the 20s over recent seasons due to a number of issues.

Kante is in the final year of his contract and will be free to negotiate with foreign clubs in January.

Injuries racking up for Kante

Chelsea want to keep him but talks have so far stalled.

Italian giants Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan have all been linked with a potential move for Kante, along with London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham.

It has recently been claimed that the Frenchman wants a new three-year deal with an option for a fourth year.

And journalist Simon Phillips feels that they are not prepared to play ball on that length of contract due to his fitness issues.

“They don’t want to take risks, and they want to manage his condition,” he told GiveMeSport. “But the injury concerns are mainly why contract talks have stalled for now.”

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