Chelsea fear that N’Golo Kante could miss a pivotal part of the season after suffering an abductor injury.

The French international midfielder limped off in the 2-0 defeat by Manchester United on Monday night.

A scan has revealed a 'Grade 2' tear and he could be out for three weeks, according to French outlet L'Equipe.

Chelsea fear that influential midfielder N’Golo Kante could miss a pivotal part of the season

Kante is now set to miss the crunch games against Tottenham, Bayern Munich and Liverpool.

Lampard had been pessimistic about Kante’s injury after the 2-0 defeat by United.

The game was just 10 minutes old when Kante departed with the latest in a series of injuries during what has been a frustrating campaign for the 28-year-old.

The French international limped off in the 2-0 defeat by Manchester United on Monday

Kante has managed just 17 appearances in all competitions for his club so far this season, missing nine Premier League games through various issues.

He has become a key player for Chelsea since his £30million move from Leicester in 2016, winning a league title, FA Cup and Europa League crown with the club, as well as being named 2017 PFA Players' Player of the Year.