Chelsea midfielder ruled out with groin injury, compounding struggles in a challenging campaign.

N’Golo Kante is unlikely to feature for Chelsea again this season after suffering a groin injury, according to interim manager Frank Lampard. The French World Cup winner, who has already faced extended absences due to a hamstring injury and fitness issues, was a starter in Chelsea’s recent fixtures — a 3-1 defeat against Arsenal and a 3-1 victory over Bournemouth.

Lampard disclosed that Kante’s latest setback occurred during training ahead of Chelsea’s match against Nottingham Forest. “N’Golo felt something in his groin yesterday during training,” said Lampard. “It’s going to be a two or three-week injury, which essentially means he won’t be back this season.”

With Kante sidelined, Chelsea’s midfield against Forest will consist of Mateo Kovacic, Conor Gallagher, and record signing Enzo Fernandez. This further injury blow comes as Chelsea, despite heavy transfer spending exceeding £600 million, are set to finish the season in the bottom half of the Premier League table.