N'Golo Kante is being assessed ahead of Chelsea's Uefa Super Cup clash against Liverpool after the midfielder picked up a fresh injury against Manchester United.
Kante was not fit enough to start Chelsea's Premier League clash at Old Trafford, but came on as a second-half substitute as Frank Lampard's side went on to lose 4-0.
The France international has now suffered a fresh injury problem, and Lampard was cautious over the midfielder's chances of starting in Istanbul.
"The selection of N'Golo on the bench was purely because he had injury, missed pre-season, so he wasn't ready.
"I'm very aware of how important he is for us. He picked up a small injury in the game so we are assessing that for tomorrow."
Lampard insisted that his starting lineup against Liverpool will be picked on merit rather than status or reputation, and suggested that Mason Mount will once again play.
The Chelsea coach's selection on Mount against United drew criticism from Jose Mourinho, though Lampard defended the Blues youngster after the game.
There is better news for Chelsea with Willian and Toni Rudiger joining up with the squad, but Lampard has confirmed both will start on the bench so as to avoid further injury setbacks.
