Danny Drinkwater is expected to remain sidelined for a number of weeks.
The midfielder, who recently joined Chelsea from Leicester, has been nursing a calf injury and has not played this season.
And boss Antonio Conte has revealed that Drinkwater is unlikely to make his Blues debut before October’s international break.
“He has a muscular problem in his calf and I think it is very difficult to see him before the international break,” Conte said.
“It’s a pity because he was starting to work and to improve his physical condition and adapt to our idea of football.
“It will be two, three, four weeks – I don’t know.”
On a brighter note for Chelsea, Conte confirmed that Eden Hazard is “almost 100% fit” following the Belgian’s recent ankle injury.
Hazard is being considered for a starting place in Sunday’s London derby against Arsenal.
This post was last modified on 15/09/2017