‘It’s not good’ – Chelsea boss Graham Potter confirms N’Golo Kante injury is a bad one with World Cup spot at risk

GRAHAM POTTER has delivered bad news on N'Golo Kante's fitness and raised questions about the midfielder's World Cup spot.

The Frenchman's last few years at Chelsea have been blighted by injuries but there had been hopes he would return soon.

Kante last played for the Blues in August during their fiery 2-2 draw with Tottenham.

But niggling injury issues have left him on the sidelines.

Chelsea boss Potter provided a fitness update on the midfielder - and admitted things were "worrying".

He said: "Again 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.

"Historically, there are things which have happened which are a concern and we need to get the bottom of that.

"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 help him get back to full fitness and enjoying his football."

Meanwhile, Potter has said there is no point speculating on "doomsday scenarios" for Reece James, who is due to see a specialist at the weekend.

The full back pulled up with an injury in Chelsea's win away at AC Milan earlier this week.

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Kante's injury issues not only leave Potter's side without his unique defensive abilities but has also complicated his contract situation.

The 31-year-old reportedly wants a four year deal but the Blues are hesitant due to his struggles to stay fit.

Since making 36 Premier League appearances in 2018-2019, Kante has missed at least eight games each season since.

With the World Cup approaching next month, the ex-Leicester man is in a race against time to be fit for Qatar and in the squad for France.