N’Golo Kante is a doubt for Chelsea’s crucial Premier League encounter against Manchester United on Sunday.
Maurizio Sarri confirmed the injury concern in his pre-match press conference after Kante hurt his ribs on Monday night.
Kante was hauled off in the 2-2 draw with Burnely, but was expected to be fit for Chelsea’s showdown with United.
While the midfielder faces a race against time, Sarri revealed Antonio Rudiger will be available for selection after missing the game against Burnley.
He said: ‘Rudiger is okay for the moment, Kante we are trying to recover but I am not sure.
‘The operation of Callum (Hudson-Odoi) went well, he will be back with us. He is a strong man and he will be able to return better than ever.’
Callum Hudson-Odoi will miss the remainder of the season and the next three months after rupturing his Achilles tendon against Burnley.
Sarri will need every player at his disposal against United as the Blues aim to strengthen their grip on fourth place.
United can boost their chances of qualifying for next season’s Champions League by beating Chelsea, but the Red Devils have managed just two wins in their last six league outings.
Arsenal trail Chelsea by just a point in the race for fourth place and Sarri’s side cannot afford another slip-up after missing the chance to put some distance between them and their closest rivals on Monday.
