Chelsea may have to cope without two of their key midfielders for the remainder of the season, as N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic both face uncertain futures.
Interim manager Frank Lampard revealed that Kante suffered a groin injury in training on Friday, which will sideline him for at least a couple of weeks.
The Frenchman has been plagued by injuries this season, making only seven appearances in the Premier League since August.
He had just returned to action in March after a long layoff due to a hamstring problem, and impressed in the 3-1 win over Bournemouth last week with an assist.
But he was missing from the squad that drew 2-2 with Nottingham Forest on Saturday, and may not feature again this season.
Kante’s contract expires at the end of the season, and there is speculation that he could leave Chelsea – although there is also a possibility that he will stay.
Meanwhile, Kovacic also limped off in the first half against Forest with an unspecified injury, adding to Lampard’s midfield headache.
The Croatian has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer, with several clubs interested in his services.
He has one year left on his contract, and Chelsea may decide to sell him now rather than lose him for nothing next year.
The 32-year-old is one of the highest-paid players at the club, but reports suggest that Chelsea are keen to keep him.
