N'Golo Kante could miss the remainder of the Premier League season after suffering a groin injury on Friday. The Chelsea midfielder is absent from the matchday squad to face Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge this afternoon with Mateo Kovacic replacing him in the starting line-up.
Speaking to Chelsea TV before kick-off, Frank Lampard explained Kante's absence from the squad and offered a worrying update on the Frenchman's fitness. The Blues caretaker boss said: "We lost N'Golo in training yesterday.
"He felt something in his groin. So that's probably a couple of weeks and we know what that means pretty much. We just have to keep going."
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Chelsea face Forest this afternoon before travelling to the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City next weekend. Kante looks set to miss the clash against Pep Guardiola's side, along with the game against Manchester United after.
The Frenchman may be available for the final game of the season against Newcastle at Stamford Bridge, but with little to play for in the Premier League this season - Lampard will probably avoid risking Kante and instead allow him more time to fully recover. The Blues are now mathematically safe from relegation this season and will not feature in European football competition next term.
Chelsea are confident they can secure Kante's future at Stamford Bridge and get him to renew his deal with the west London outfit. The 32-year-old is out of contract this summer and has previously been linked with moves to Barcelona, Arsenal and Tottenham.
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