Frank Lampard has revealed N'Golo Kante is unavailable to take on his former side Leicester City when Chelsea travel to the King Power Stadium tomorrow evening.
The French midfielder was absent from the Blues squad to face Fulham on Saturday due to suspension but has also been nursing a hamstring problem, which is why he missed the FA Cup victory over Morecambe.
Kante has been back in training at Cobham in recent days but the Chelsea head coach has confirmed the 29-year-old is not ready to take on the Foxes.
"(Andreas) Christensen is available [after his knee injury] but N'Golo isn't. It's a bit too soon for his hamstring. Those are the only two who will miss the game."
With such a short turnaround between fixtures, Lampard will have to rotate his side at the King Power.
Reece James will likely return to the Chelsea side against the Foxes. The 21-year-old had missed three matches with a hamstring problem of his own but was an unused substitute in the 1-0 win at Craven Cottage.
The Blues head into the match seventh in the Premier League table, six points behind the Foxes who are currently third.
Lampard believes Brendan Rodgers' side are in contention to win the Premier League title this season and has praised the Leicester boss, who previously worked in the Blues academy.
"They're in it [the title race] for sure. The way they're playing, the results have been getting, it's clear. We managed to get above them at the back end of last season but it was a big ask. They are a good team, good players, and a really good coach in Brendan.
"They're in the race, others are in the race. We have to not consider too much at the race as it stands at the minute. We have to get a result against a competitor and propel ourselves back up to where we want to be.
"The race is relatively opener, especially in comparison to recent years.
The Chelsea boss added on Rodgers: "Brendan is a gentleman and a good friend. He was helpful to me here as a player.
"He was working more in the academy but whenever he came over it was clear and evident he would become a great coach in his own right.
"The jobs he's done at all his clubs have been really impressive, particularly the success he's had in the last few years.
"He's difficult to go up against because he's a really good coach and he's got very good players. But at the same time, I'd have respect for Brendan no matter what.
"We will have a tough battle and then shake hands...sorry, first bump."
