N'GOLO KANTÉ EXPECTED TO MISS WORLD CUP WITH HAMSTRING INJURY

N'Golo Kanté is expected to miss the 2022 World Cup in Qatar because of the hamstring injury he originally suffered in the summer, according to multiple reports on Friday. The ball-winning defensive midfielder has not appeared since then for Les Bleus or his club, Chelsea of England's Premier League.

Kanté, 31, has a history of hamstring issues. He's been sidelined since limping out of Chelsea's 2-2 tie with Tottenham on Aug. 14.

Blues manager Graham Potter confirmed that Kanté had reinjured himself during his recovery but stopped short of giving a timetable for his return. However, outlets in both France and England said he won't be available until January at the earliest. The World Cup begins on Nov. 20.

"It's a setback so it's not good news," Potter told reporters Friday during a press conference. "Anything other than that at this stage, I can't give you anything more."