Thomas Tuchel admits Chelsea midfielder blow

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has admitted that N'Golo Kante could be sidelined for a longer period of time.

The Frenchman sustained a knee injury against Juventus last month, and he has missed the last three league games.

In this period, the Blues have dropped five points, and they are no longer at the top of the Premier league standings.

Speaking after the 3-2 defeat to West Ham today, Tuchel said that he has 'no idea' when Kante could be fit to play.

The Frenchman has been a big miss for the Blues in recent weeks. Mateo Kovacic's absence has also been a blow.

Kovacic suffered a hamstring injury in training last month. There appears no return date for the Croatian at the moment.

In the absence of the duo, Ruben Loftus-Cheek is the likely partner for Jorginho in midfield, but he has been inconsistent.

Saul Niguez is the other option in the ranks, but he has failed to adapt to the pace of the Premier League since his loan move.